Crocin-4, a carotenoid compound found in saffron, possesses potent antioxidant properties and can penetrate the brain. It effectively inhibits the aggregation and deposition of Aβ fibrils, making it useful for Alzheimer's Disease research. Additionally, Crocin-4 demonstrates antitumor and anti-inflammatory activities.

Crocin-4 (0.1-1000 μM; 24-72 h) do not compromise cell viability of neuron-like cells[1]. Crocin-4 (1 mM; 72 h) reduces total PSEN1, PSEN1 and PSEN2 complexes, BACE1, APP-C99 and sAPPα, while it increases PSEN1-CTF and PSEN2 in SH-SY5Y-APP cells[1]. Crocin-4 (1 mM; 72 h) suppresses GSK3β and ERK1/2 kinases in PC12-htau cells, and significantly reduces the levels and phosphorylation of tau on the pThr231 and pSer199/Ser202 epitopes[1]. Western Blot Analysis[1]Cell Line: Differentiated SH-SY5Y-APP cells Concentration: 1 mM Incubation Time: 72 hours Result: Significantly reduced total PSEN1 by 19%, and the PSEN1 and PSEN2 complexes by 81 and 65%, while it increased PSEN1-CTF (26%) and PSEN2 (43%). The key molecules of the amyloidogenic pathway, BACE1 and APP-C99 were significantly reduced by 20 and 28%, respectively. The non-amyloidogenic pathway product sAPPα was also reduced, by 44%, while APP-C83 remained unaltered. Western Blot Analysis[1]Cell Line: Differentiated PC12-htau cells Concentration: 1 mM Incubation Time: 72 hours Result: Significantly reduced total tau levels (by 32%) and tau phosphorylation (pThr231 and pSer199/Ser202-tau by 22 and 75%, respectively). Downregulates the active and inactive forms of GSK3β (total GSK3β by 34%, pSer9-GSK3β by 30%) and ERK1/2 (total ERK2 by 37%, pERK1 by 40%, pERK2 by 50%).

Crocin-4 (50 mg/kg; i.p.) is capable of crossing the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) and build up levels in the mouse brain[3].