Crocins for Ischemic Stroke: A Review of Current Evidence

Abstract

Crocins (CRs) and the related active constituents derived from Crocus sativus L. (Saffron) have demonstrated protective effects against cerebral ischemia and ischemic stroke, with various bioactivities including neuroprotection, anti-neuroinflammation, antioxidant, and cardiovascular protection. Among CRs, crocin (CR) has been shown to act on multiple mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in ischemic stroke, including mitochondrial apoptosis, nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of B cells pathway, S100 calcium-binding protein B, interleukin-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor-A. CR is generally safe and well-tolerated. Pharmacokinetic studies indicate that CR has poor bioavailability and needs to convert to crocetin (CC) in order to cross the blood-brain barrier. Clinical studies have shown the efficacy of saffron and CR in treating various conditions, including metabolic syndrome, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and coronary artery disease. There is evidence supporting CR as a treatment for ischemic stroke, although further studies are needed to confirm their efficacy and safety in clinical settings.

Crocin ameliorates neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in mice with Alzheimer's disease by activating PI3K/AKT pathway

“…Furthermore, Crocin has been reported to enhance the memory abilities of aging Wistar rats by exerting its antioxidant activities (Heidari et al., 2017 ). Although few studies definitively state whether Crocin can cross the blood‐brain barrier, several studies have demonstrated that Crocetin can cross the blood‐brain barrier (Shahbaz et al., 2022 ). In addition, Zhang et al.…”

“…Although few studies definitively state whether Crocin can cross the blood-brain barrier, several studies have demonstrated that Crocetin can cross the blood-brain barrier (Shahbaz et al, 2022). In addition, Zhang et al (2017) have reported that Crocin may protect against cerebral ischemia in elderly patients by maintaining the integrity of the blood-brain barrier.…”

Therapeutic considerations of bioactive compounds in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease: Dissecting the molecular pathways

“…Similarly, crocin is found to restore striatal dopamine levels, reduce α‐synuclein levels and dopaminergic neuron degeneration along with improvement of motor functions in PD mouse and rat models (Haeri et al, 2019; Rao et al, 2019; Salama et al, 2020). However, the therapeutic yields of crocin are reported to be restrained by its poor bioavailability and BBB permeability (Rahaiee et al, 2017; Shahbaz et al, 2022). Celastrol , the most abundant compound of the roots of Tripterygium wilfordii is reported to possess low aqueous solubility and bioavailability, as well as exerts toxicities in the heart, liver and kidney at higher doses (Fang & Tang, 2020; Shi et al, 2020).…”