Perspective pubs.acs.org/JAFC
A Perspective on Crocus sativus L. (Saffron) Constituent Crocin: A Potent Water-Soluble Antioxidant and Potential Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease John W. Finley*,†,‡ and Song Gao§ †
J. Agric. Food Chem. 2017.65:1005-1020. Downloaded from pubs.acs.org by UNIV OF GOTHENBURG on 01/21/19. For personal use only.
Adjunct Professor, Department of Nutrition and Food Science, 111 Food Science Building, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States ‡ 14719 Secret Harbor Place, Bradenton, Florida 34202, United States § Quality Phytochemicals LLC, 13 Dexter Road, East Brunswick, New Jersey 08816, United States ABSTRACT: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, in which the death of brain cells causes memory loss and cognitive decline. Several factors are thought to play roles in the development and course of AD. Existing medical therapies only modestly alleviate and delay cognitive symptoms. Current research has been focused on developing antibodies to remove the aggregates of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau protein. This approach has achieved removal of Aβ; however, no cognitive improvement in AD patients has been reported. The biological properties of saffron, the dry stigma of the plant Crocus sativus L., and particularly its main constituent crocin, have been studied extensively for many conditions including dementia and traumatic brain injury. Crocin is a unique antioxidant because it is a water-soluble carotenoid. Crocin has shown potential to improve learning and memory as well as protect brain cells. A search of the studies on saffron and crocin that have been published in recent years for their impact on AD as well as crocin’s effects on Aβ and tau protein has been conducted. This review demonstrates that crocin exhibits multifunctional protective activities in the brain and could be a promising agent applied as a supplement or drug for prevention or treatment of AD. KEYWORDS: Alzheimer’s disease, crocin, crocetin, saffron, Crocus sativus
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INTRODUCTION Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia among people over the age of 65 years old and accounts for 60−80% of dementia cases. The global prevalence of dementia is estimated to be 24 million and is predicted to double every 20 years through 2040.1 More than 5 million Americans may have various stages of AD, according to the Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet published by National Institute on Aging. This irreversible and progressive brain disorder destroys the memory and thinking skills of its patients and has a devastating impact on both patients and their families. Although the greatest known risk factor is increasing age,
