Therapeutic effects of crocin: A review of recent studies

Abstract

Crocin is a plant ingredient mainly found in the extract of Crocus sativus (Saffron). This carotenoid compound has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antihypertensive properties. This review summarizes the therapeutic effects of crocin. Data were retrieved from 2015 until the end of April 2025 using databases including the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and. According to the findings of previous studies, the therapeutic effects of crocin on various organs can be attributed to its ability to scavenge free radicals, enhance antioxidant activities, reduce inflammatory reactions, and modulate the PI3K/AKT, NF-κB, and PPARγ/LXRs signaling pathways.

Keywords

Crocin / Oxidative stress / Inflammation / Antioxidant / Crocus sativus

Conflict of interest statement

Akbar Anaeigoudari is an editorial board member of this journal but has no role in the decision to publish this article. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Funding

This article received no extramural funding.

Data availability statement

The data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.

Authors’ contributions

AA programmed the study, collected data, and prepared the manuscript. FM assisted in preparing the data and revised the manuscript.

Publisher’s note

The Publisher of the Journal remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

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