Evaluation of the developmental toxicity of crocetin on Xenopus.
Crocetin, a carotenoid isolated from the spice saffron, has been found to be effective in treating certain types of cancer treatable with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). ATRA, however, is a potent teratogen, and the possibility that crocetin may also be a teratogen becomes an important medical issue. The teratogenic potential of crocetin and ATRA were evaluated in frog (Xenopus) embryos. The data show that crocetin is a teratogen, but far less potent than ATRA. This suggests that crocetin may be a safer alternative to treat ATRA-sensitive cancers in women of childbearing age.
Martin
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College of Art and Science, Indiana University, Jordan Hall 204, Bloomington 47405, USA.
Goh
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Neff
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D000818:Animals; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000633:toxicity*; D013723:Teratogens / Q000633:toxicity*; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D014981:Xenopus / Q000196:embryology
D013723:Teratogens; C487773:trans-sodium crocetinate; D014801:Vitamin A; D002338:Carotenoids