Description
Crocin is a water-soluble carotenoid pigment in saffron (Crocus sativus L.) with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptosis, anti-asthma, anti-cancer, anti-allergy, relaxation of smooth muscle and hypolipidemic effects. Crocin inhibits tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α-induced pheochromocytoma (PC12) apoptosis by regulating the mRNA expression of Bcl-2 family proteins, which trigger downstream signals that ultimately lead to caspase-3 activation and subsequent cell death