Crocetin

Crocetin is a natural carotenoid dicarboxylic acid that is found in the Crocus sativus (saffron) and Gardenia jasminoides (gardenia) plants. It is the compound primarily responsible for the color of saffron.

Chemical Structure

Crocetin is a member of the carotenoid family, which are tetraterpenoids. It is a dicarboxylic acid that is structurally similar to Vitamin A and other carotenoids. The chemical formula of crocetin is C20H24O4.

Sources

Crocetin is primarily found in the stigmas of Crocus sativus, commonly known as saffron. It is also found in the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides, also known as gardenia.

Health Benefits

Crocetin has been studied for its potential health benefits. It has been found to have antioxidant properties, which means it can help protect the body from damage by free radicals. It has also been studied for its potential to improve sleep quality, reduce inflammation, and improve symptoms of depression.

Culinary Uses

In addition to its potential health benefits, crocetin is also used in cooking for its color. It is the compound that gives saffron its characteristic yellow color. Saffron is used in a variety of dishes, including paella, risotto, and biryani.

See Also

• Carotenoid
• Crocus sativus
• Gardenia jasminoides
• Saffron
• Antioxidant
• Paella
• Risotto
• Biryani