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.