Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequently oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis that contribute to neuronal cytotoxicity and degeneration. Recent studies reported that crocin, a carotenoid chemical compound common in crocus and gardenia flowers, has protective effects in neurodegenerative disorders due to its anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties in the nervous system. This article reviews the new experimental, clinical, and pharmacological studies on the neuroprotective properties of crocin and its potential mechanisms to modulate metabolic oxidative stress and inflammation in neurodegenerative disorders.

神经退行性疾病的特征是线粒体功能障碍和随后的氧化应激、炎症和细胞凋亡，这些都会导致神经元细胞毒性和变性。最近的研究报道，藏红花素是一种常见于番红花和栀子花中的类胡萝卜素化合物，由于其在神经系统中的抗氧化、抗炎和抗凋亡特性，因此对神经退行性疾病具有保护作用。本文回顾了关于藏红花素的神经保护特性及其在神经退行性疾病中调节代谢氧化应激和炎症的潜在机制的新实验、临床和药理学研究。