Molecular mechanisms involved in the anticancer activity of crocin and crocetin, two bioactive compounds found in saffron

Saffron, a valuable spice, possesses various medicinal properties including anticancer effects in addition to its aromatic qualities. Numerous studies have shown that bioactive compounds in saffron, especially crocin and crocetin, exhibit selective toxicity against cancer cells. This review aimed to comprehensively examine the anticancer mechanisms of saffron and its active compounds by reviewing studies published in reputable databases, such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SID. Findings indicate that saffron and its compounds inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancer cells through various mechanisms such as inhibiting DNA and RNA synthesis, inducing apoptosis, and interfering with the cell cycle. Crocin, as the most important active compound of saffron, exerts its anticancer effect by inducing changes in gene expression and apoptosis. Crocetin, on the other hand, inhibits the growth of cancer cells by reducing DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis, inhibiting RNA polymerase II in neoplastic cells, and interfering with the structure of histones H1 and H1-DNA. Moreover, studies have shown that saffron and its compounds, at therapeutic doses, do not induce significant toxicity to normal cells. This feature highlights the high potential of saffron and its compounds as a natural and safe anticancer agent. In conclusion, the findings of this review provide strong evidence supporting the anticancer effects of saffron and its active compounds, especially crocin and crocetin. However, further studies with more precise designs and larger sample sizes are needed to translate these findings into clinical treatments.