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Safranal facts for kids

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Safranal
Safranal.svg
Identifiers
CAS number 116-26-7
PubChem 61041
ChEBI CHEBI:53169
SMILES O=C\C1=C(\C=C/CC1(C)C)C
Properties
Molecular formula C10H14O
Molar mass 150.21 g/mol
Density 0.9734 g/cm3
Boiling point

70 °C, 343 K, 158 °F

Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)

Safranal is an organic compound isolated from saffron, the spice consisting of the stigmas of crocus flowers (Crocus sativus). It is the constituent primarily responsible for the aroma of saffron.

It is believed that safranal is a degradation product of the carotenoid zeaxanthin via the intermediate picrocrocin.

Pharmacology

Safranal is an effective anticonvulsant in animal models, shown to act as an agonist at GABAA receptors. Safranal also exhibits high antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity, along with cytotoxicity towards cancer cells in vitro. One of its anticancer mechanisms of action involves disruption of the normal assembly dynamics of cellular microtubules. It has also been shown to have antidepressant properties in animals and pilot studies in humans.

Natural sources

Natural sources of safranal include:

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Safranal para niños

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