Date published: 2025-10-20

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Picrocrocin (CAS 138-55-6)

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Alternate Names:
Safranbitter; Saffronbitter
CAS Number:
138-55-6
Molecular Weight:
330.37
Molecular Formula:
C16H26O7
For Research Use Only. Not Intended for Diagnostic or Therapeutic Use.
* Refer to Certificate of Analysis for lot specific data.

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Picrocrocin, derived from beta-cyclocitral, is a beta-D-glucoside that serves as the precursor of safranal. Within saffron, it plays a role in imparting the distinct bitter taste. Picrocrocin originates from beta-cyclocitral and acts as a monoterpene glycoside precursor to safranal. Saffron, obtained from the crocus flower, contains picrocrocin. During the drying process, picrocrocin undergoes enzymatic action by glucosidase, liberating the aglycone (HTCC, C10H16O2). Subsequently, dehydration transforms the aglycone into safranal. It is worth mentioning that picrocrocin emerges as a degradation product of the carotenoid zeaxanthin.


Picrocrocin (CAS 138-55-6) References

  1. Rapid determination of crocetin esters and picrocrocin from saffron spice (Crocus sativus L.) using UV-visible spectrophotometry for quality control.  |  Sánchez, AM., et al. 2008. J Agric Food Chem. 56: 3167-75. PMID: 18407652
  2. Picrocrocin kinetics in aqueous saffron spice extracts (Crocus sativus L.) upon thermal treatment.  |  Sánchez, AM., et al. 2011. J Agric Food Chem. 59: 249-55. PMID: 21141822
  3. Quantitation of Crocins and picrocrocin in saffron by HPLC: application to quality control and phytochemical differentiation from other crocus taxa.  |  Koulakiotis, NS., et al. 2015. Planta Med. 81: 606-12. PMID: 26018797
  4. Simultaneous quantification of crocetin esters and picrocrocin changes in Chinese saffron by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector during 15 years of storage.  |  Tong, Y., et al. 2015. Pharmacogn Mag. 11: 540-5. PMID: 26246729
  5. Cellular Transport and Bioactivity of a Major Saffron Apocarotenoid, Picrocrocin (4-(β-D-Glucopyranosyloxy)-2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexene-1-carboxaldehyde).  |  Kyriakoudi, A., et al. 2015. J Agric Food Chem. 63: 8662-8. PMID: 26340688
  6. Rapid isolation and characterization of crocins, picrocrocin, and crocetin from saffron using centrifugal partition chromatography and LC-MS.  |  Karkoula, E., et al. 2018. J Sep Sci. 41: 4105-4114. PMID: 30232839
  7. Picrocrocin exhibits growth inhibitory effects against SKMEL- 2 human malignant melanoma cells by targeting JAK/ STAT5 signaling pathway, cell cycle arrest and mitochondrial mediated apoptosis.  |  Yu, L., et al. 2018. J BUON. 23: 1163-1168. PMID: 30358226
  8. UGT709G1: a novel uridine diphosphate glycosyltransferase involved in the biosynthesis of picrocrocin, the precursor of safranal in saffron (Crocus sativus).  |  Diretto, G., et al. 2019. New Phytol. 224: 725-740. PMID: 31356694
  9. Efficient production of saffron crocins and picrocrocin in Nicotiana benthamiana using a virus-driven system.  |  Martí, M., et al. 2020. Metab Eng. 61: 238-250. PMID: 32629020
  10. Effect of Crocus sativus L. Stigmas Microwave Dehydration on Picrocrocin, Safranal and Crocetin Esters.  |  García-Blázquez, A., et al. 2021. Foods. 10: PMID: 33673099
  11. Quantification of crocin, picrocrocin and safranal in saffron stigmas obtained from sounded corms with acoustic waves.  |  Razavizadeh, BM. and Arabshahi Delooei, N. 2021. Phytochem Anal. 32: 1059-1066. PMID: 33884676
  12. Ultrasound-assisted extraction of saffron bioactive compounds; separation of crocins, picrocrocin, and safranal optimized by artificial bee colony.  |  Sarfarazi, M., et al. 2022. Ultrason Sonochem. 86: 105971. PMID: 35429897
  13. Engineering high levels of saffron apocarotenoids in tomato.  |  Ahrazem, O., et al. 2022. Hortic Res. 9: uhac074. PMID: 35669709
  14. Integrated metabolomics and network pharmacology to reveal the therapeutic mechanism of Dingkun Pill on polycystic ovary syndrome.  |  Cai, YL., et al. 2022. J Ethnopharmacol. 295: 115442. PMID: 35688255
  15. Effective Isolation of Picrocrocin and Crocins from Saffron: From HPTLC to Working Standard Obtaining.  |  Jarukas, L., et al. 2022. Molecules. 27: PMID: 35807531

Ordering Information

Product NameCatalog #UNITPriceQtyFAVORITES

Picrocrocin, 1 mg

sc-479341
1 mg
$450.00