Apocarotenoids of Crocus sativus L: From biosynthesis to pharmacology (SpringerBriefs in Plant Science)

This book is a product of years of research on saffron biology. It intends to give a broad but concise overview of the various aspects of apocarotenoid biosynthesis in __Crocus sativus,__ its regulation and pharmacology __.__ __Crocus sativus____L.__ of family __Iridaceae__ is an important medicinal plant. The dried stigma of __C. sativus__ flower is considered as the world's costliest spice. Saffron is the sources of unique carotenoid derived molecules called __apocarotenoids__ which include crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin and safranal. These molecules are synthesized in the tissue and developmental stage specific manner. Besides providing colour, aroma and flavour to the spice, these molecules have tremendous medicinal importance. The book uncovers major concepts of apocarotenoids biosynthesis and provides deeper and more complete understanding about their biotechnological and pharmacological applications. __The book is divided into three sections –__ The first section provides a general introduction of __C. sativus,__ its apocarotenoids, their biosynthesis, regulation and transport. Second section provides information about the carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (CCDs) which are the key players in apocarotenoid biosynthesis. The classification of plant CCDs, their structure, reaction mechanism, biotechnological application are thoroughly discussed. The final section deals with the major pharmacological properties of __C. sativus__ apocarotenoids, ranging from their role as anticancer to their utility as neuroprotective molecules. This is a one of its kind book on __Crocus sativus.__ It will be useful for the researchers working on __Crocus sativus,__ students and also practitioners involved in extraction and bio-synthesis of the useful medical components. Dedication 6 Contents 7 About the Authors 9 Chapter 1: Apocarotenoid Biosynthesis in Crocus sativus L. 10 1.1 Introduction 10 1.2 Apocarotenoid Biosynthesis in C. sativus L. 12 1.2.1 Apocarotenoid Biosynthesis Depends on the Availability of Carotenoid Substrates 12 1.2.2 Carotenoid Cleavage Leads to the Production of Apocarotenoids 13 1.2.3 Apocarotenoids in C. sativus Are Stored in Glycosylated Form 17 1.2.4 Hydrolysis of Picrocrocin to Safranal 18 1.3 Regulation of Apocarotenoid Biosynthesis in C. sativus 19 1.3.1 Regulation of Apocarotenoid Biosynthesis by Carotenogenic Enzyme Levels 19 1.3.2 Regulation of Carotenoid Degradation 20 1.3.3 Transcription Factors Regulating Apocarotenoid Biosynthesis 21 1.4 Site of Synthesis and Transport of Apocarotenoids in C. sativus 22 1.5 Conclusion 25 References 25 Chapter 2: Carotenoid Cleavage Dioxygenases of Crocus sativus L. 31 2.1 Introduction 31 2.2 Carotenoid Cleavage Dioxygenase Family of Crocus sativus L. 34 2.3 Structure of Carotenoid Cleavage Dioxygenases 35 2.4 Reaction Mechanism of Carotenoid Cleavage Dioxygenases: Mono- or Dioxygenase 36 2.5 Role and Biotechnological Applications of CCDs 38 2.5.1 Biotic and Abiotic Stress 38 2.5.2 Color, Flavor, and Aroma Compounds 40 2.5.3 Pollination 41 2.6 Conclusion 42 References 42 Chapter 3: Pharmacological Importance of Crocus sativus Apocarotenoids 46 3.1 Introduction 46 3.2 Neuroprotective Activity 47 3.3 Anticancer Activity 53 3.4 Cardioprotection 54 3.5 Hepatoprotective Activity 56 3.6 Immunological Functions of Saffron Carotenoids and Apocarotenoids 56 3.7 Antioxidant Activity 58 3.8 Effects of C. sativus and Its Constituents on Anxiety 59 3.9 Effects of C. sativus and Its Constituents in Schizophrenia 61 3.10 Conclusion 62 References 62 This book is a product of years of research on saffron biology. It intends to give a broad but concise overview of the various aspects of apocarotenoid biosynthesis in Crocus sativus, its regulation and pharmacology . Crocus sativus L. of family Iridaceae is an important medicinal plant. The dried stigma of C. sativus flower is considered as the world's costliest spice. Saffron is the sources of unique carotenoid derived molecules called apocarotenoids which include crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin and safranal. These molecules are synthesized in the tissue and developmental stage specific manner. Besides providing colour, aroma and flavour to the spice, these molecules have tremendous medicinal importance. The book uncovers major concepts of apocarotenoids biosynthesis and provides deeper and more complete understanding about their biotechnological and pharmacological applications. The book is divided into three sections – The first section provides a general introduction of C. sativus, its apocarotenoids, their biosynthesis, regulation and transport. Second section provides information about the carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (CCDs) which are the key players in apocarotenoid biosynthesis. The classification of plant CCDs, their structure, reaction mechanism, biotechnological application are thoroughly discussed. The final section deals with the major pharmacological properties of C. sativus apocarotenoids, ranging from their role as anticancer to their utility as neuroprotective molecules. This is a one of its kind book on Crocus sativus. It will be useful for the researchers working on Crocus sativus, students and also practitioners involved in extraction and bio-synthesis of the useful medical components. This book is a product of years of research on saffron biology. It intends to give a broad but concise overview of the various aspects of apocarotenoid biosynthesis in Crocus sativus, its regulation and pharmacology . Crocus sativus L. of family Iridaceae is an important medicinal plant. The dried stigma of C. sativus flower is considered as the world's costliest spice. Saffron is the sources of unique carotenoid derived molecules called apocarotenoids which include crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin and safranal. These molecules are synthesized in the tissue and developmental stage specific manner. Besides providing colour, aroma and flavour to the spice, these molecules have tremendous medicinal importance. The book uncovers major concepts of apocarotenoids biosynthesis and provides deeper and more complete understanding about their biotechnological and pharmacological applications. The book is divided into three sections {u2013} The first section provides a general introduction of C. sativus, its apocarotenoids, their biosynthesis, regulation and transport. Second section provides information about the carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (CCDs) which are the key players in apocarotenoid biosynthesis. The classification of plant CCDs, their structure, reaction mechanism, biotechnological application are thoroughly discussed. The final section deals with the major pharmacological properties of C. sativus apocarotenoids, ranging from their role as anticancer to their utility as neuroprotective molecules. This is a one of its kind book on Crocus sativus. It will be useful for the researchers working on Crocus sativus, students and also practitioners involved in extraction and bio-synthesis of the useful medical components. Front Matter....Pages i-ix Apocarotenoid Biosynthesis in Crocus sativus L.....Pages 1-21 Carotenoid Cleavage Dioxygenases of Crocus sativus L.....Pages 23-37 Pharmacological Importance of Crocus sativus Apocarotenoids....Pages 39-61