Harmony of Crocin Resonating in Modern Pharmaceuticals, Food, and Cosmetic Industries
Harmony of Crocin Resonating in Modern Pharmaceuticals, Food, and Cosmetic Industries
In recent decades, Crocin, the active compound in saffron, has garnered significant attention, solidifying its pivotal role in various industries. Here's a snapshot of its emergence and influence:
2024-01-15
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Safranal: From an Aromatic Natural Product to a Rewarding Pharmacological Agent
Safranal: From an Aromatic Natural Product to a Rewarding Pharmacological Agent
Safranal, the main component of Crocus sativus essential oil, is thought to be the main cause of saffron unique odor. It is now about eighty years that this compound has been discovered and since then different scientific experiments have been done investigating its biological-pharmacological activities. Safranal effects in CNS have been more attractive to scientists and an escalating number of papers have been published regarding its neuropsychological effects. These promising properties of safranal propose its presence as a therapeutic agent in future, although there is a great need for further clinical trials and toxicological studies. In this review article, according to Scopus ®, Thomson Reuters Web of Knowledge®, Scientific Information Database (SID) ® and Pubmed ® all papers published until July 2012 were thoroughly discussed and a brief note of each study was prepared.  
2023-12-29
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Anti-Depressant Properties of Crocin Molecules in Saffron
Anti-Depressant Properties of Crocin Molecules in Saffron
Saffron is a valued herb, obtained from the stigmas of the C. sativus Linn (Iridaceae), with therapeutic effects. It has been described in pharmacopoeias to be variously acting, including as an anti-depressant, anti-carcinogen, and stimulant agent. The therapeutic effects of saffron are harbored in its bioactive molecules, notably crocins, the subject of this paper. Crocins have been demonstrated to act as a monoamine oxidase type A and B inhibitor. Furthermore, saffron petal extracts have experimentally been shown to impact contractile response in electrical field stimulation. Other research suggests that saffron also inhibits the reuptake of monoamines, exhibits N-methyl-d-aspartate antagonism, and improves brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling. A host of experimental studies found saffron/crocin to be similarly effective as fluoxetine and imipramine in the treatment of depression disorders. Saffron and crocins propose a natural solution to combat depressive disorders. However, some hurdles, such as stability and delivery, need to be overcome.      
2023-12-29
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11 Impressive Health Benefits of Saffron
11 Impressive Health Benefits of Saffron
Saffron may have antioxidant and anticancer benefits. But some people should avoid high doses. Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world — with 1 pound (450 grams) costing between $500 and $5,000. The reason for its high price is its labor-intensive harvesting method, which makes its production costly. Saffron is harvested by hand from the Crocus sativus flower, commonly known as the saffron crocus. The term “saffron” applies to the flower’s thread-like structures called stigma.    
2023-12-19
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