Anti‐tumor effects of crocetin and related molecular targets. Issue 3 (7th June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moradzadeh, Maliheh; Sadeghnia, Hamid Reza; Tabarraei, Alijan; Sahebkar, Amirhossein
• Is Part Of: Journal of cellular physiology. Volume 233:Issue 3(2018:Mar.)
• Page Start: 2170
• Page End: 2182
• Publication Date: 2017-06-07
• Subjects: cancer -- crocetin -- Crocus sativus -- saffron; Physiology -- Periodicals; Cell physiology -- Periodicals; 571.6
• DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25953
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9541

Abstract

Abstract : Natural products have gained a wide popularity as chemopreventive and anti‐cancer agents owing to their multi‐mechanistic mode of action, availability and synergism with several conventional chemotherapeutic agents. Crocetin is a carotenoid compound isolated from the stigma of Crocus sativus L. (saffron). Crocetin has shown promising effects as an anti‐tumor agent in animal models and cell culture systems. Crocetin retards the growth of cancer cells via inhibiting nucleic acid synthesis, enhancing anti‐oxidative system, and inducing apoptosis and differentiation pathways. The present review outlines natural sources of crocetin, and its pharmacokinetic and pharmacological properties relevant to the prevention and treatment of cancer. Also, we discuss molecular targets underlying the putative anti‐tumor effects of crocetin. Abstract : The present review outlines natural sources of crocetin, and its pharmacokinetic and pharmacological properties relevant to the prevention and treatment of cancer. Also, we discuss molecular targets underlying the putative anti‐tumor effects of crocetin.