Picrocrocin

• CAS: 138-55-6
• Catalog Number: ACM138556-1
• Category: Main Products
• Molecular Weight: 330.37
• Molecular Formula: C16H26O7
• Synonyms: (4R)-4-(b-D-Glucopyranosyloxy)-2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexene-1-; carboxaldehyde
• Appearance: Powder

Case Study

Inhibitory Effects of Picrocrocin on SKMEL-2 Human Malignant Melanoma Cells

Yu L, et al. J BUON, 2018, 23(4), 1163-1168.

The anticancer effects of picrocrocin and its mode of action on human SK-MEL-2 malignant melanoma cell line were evaluated.
· Evaluation methods
The impact of picrocrocin was assessed on SKMEL-2 cells using the MTT assay. DAPI and annexin V/PI staining techniques were employed to determine apoptosis. Additionally, flow cytometry was utilized to evaluate the effects on reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and cell cycle progression. The expression levels of the JAK/STAT5 proteins were analyzed through western blotting.
· Mechanism of action
Picrocrocin demonstrated inhibitory effects on the growth of SK-MEL-2 melanoma cells, with an IC50 value of 20 µM following a 24-hour incubation period. The antiproliferative properties of picrocrocin were attributed to the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, picrocrocin increased ROS levels while reducing MMP levels in SK-MEL-2 cells. Overall, picrocrocin was found to impede the JAK/STAT5 signaling pathway in these melanoma cells.

How Picrocrocin Affects Lipid Homeostasis in HepG2 Cells?

Frattaruolo L, et al. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2023, 24(4), 3060.

Saffron has multiple biological properties and is considered a potential therapeutic agent. Among them, picrocrocin is one of the main compounds in saffron. This work investigated the activity of the picrocrocin-rich fraction (PEF) of saffron to evaluate the additional hypolipidemic effects that this natural product may play in the saffron phytocomplex.
Evaluation Methods and Results
· Picrocrocin inhibits the activity of the cf-HMGR: The inhibitory potential of PEF was evaluated on the purified human catalytic fragment (cf-HMGR), and a 50% inhibition rate was determined when a concentration of 300 µg/mL was used. The inhibitory activity caused by PEF of saffron extract was statistically significant.
· Picrocrocin affects lipid homeostasis in HepG2 cells: The effects of picrocrocin on HepG2 cells, on the transcription of lipid metabolism-related genes, and on the protein expression of lipid metabolism-related enzymes were evaluated. The effects of picrocrocin on lipid balance appear to stem from a mechanism distinct from that of statins. Notably, the detected rise in LDL receptor (LDLR) expression indicates a potential enhancement in LDL re-uptake, which could lead to lowered blood cholesterol levels and, in turn, diminish the cardiovascular risks linked to elevated LDL cholesterol. Additionally, given the observed simultaneous decrease in FASN and GPAT expression levels, it is thought that picrocrocin may contribute to the reduction of triglyceride (TG) synthesis, thereby potentially addressing the persistent cardiovascular risk that remains in patients receiving statin therapy.