Crocin is a natural water-soluble apocarotenoid glycoside responsible for the distinctive golden-yellow color of saffron (Crocus sativus). It is extracted from dried saffron stigmas using aqueous methods and purified by chromatography.
Crocin is the most abundant bioactive carotenoid in saffron, along with safranal (aroma) and picrocrocin (flavor). Research demonstrates crocin's neuroprotective, antidepressant, antioxidant, and retinal-protective properties. Commercially, crocin is used in mood support supplements, eye health formulations, natural food colorants, and pharmaceutical preparations.