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Novel Neuroprotective Potential of Crocin in Neurodegenerative Disorders: An Illustrated Mechanistic Review

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Abstract

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat highway, Beside the Milad Tower, P.O. Box: 14496-14525, Tehran, Iran

    Sareh Kermanshahi, Ghazal Ghanavati, Mobina Abbasi-Mesrabadi, Majid Motaghinejad & Sepideh Safari

  2. Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Mina Gholami

  3. Center for Perioperative Organ Protection, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA

    Luis Ulloa

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  1. Sareh Kermanshahi
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Kermanshahi, S., Ghanavati, G., Abbasi-Mesrabadi, M. et al. Novel Neuroprotective Potential of Crocin in Neurodegenerative Disorders: An Illustrated Mechanistic Review. Neurochem Res 45, 2573–2585 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11064-020-03134-8

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