In vitro cytotoxicity analysis

In vitro cytotoxic analysis of the main saffron compounds (crocins, crocetin, picrocrocin and safranal) using HeLa (human cervical epitheliod cancer) cells was carried out by Escribano et al [64]. It was found that in terms of LD50 values (dose inducing 50% cell growth inhibition on these cells) safranal has 0.8mM, crocin and picrocrocin 3mM respectively. Furthermore, Escribano et al [65] have also isolated from corms of Crocus sativus a glycoconjugate with cytotoxic activity as well. Experiments with carotenoids from Crocus sativus in HL60 cells were conducted by Tarantilis et al [66] where inhibition and induction of differentiation of these cells was studied. 

In vitro cytotoxicity analysis confirmed that the serinol-sucdnoyl-DOX released during degradation remained active. In vivo studies were also performed in B16F10 melanoma-bearing mice. A further step was reported by Vicent et al. (2004) when the non-steroidal oestrogen diethylstUboestrol... 

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