Synthesis of crocetin derivatives and their potent inhibition in multiple tumor cells proliferation and inflammatory property of macrophage

Abstract Background Crocetin is a major active component of saffron, which has a wide range of pharmacological effects. However, due to its low solubility, the pharmacological effects of crocetin cannot be better utilized. Methods In this study, we modified the chemical structure of crocetin by conjugating with ethylamine and 4-Fluorbenzylamine to enhance its solubility and biological activities. The solubility and the influence of synthesized derivatives on the proliferation of tumor cells and the inflammatory effect of macrophage were investigated. Results It was shown that, compared with the crocetin, the synthesized derivatives have much higher solubility. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of the derivatives on varieties of tumor cells, including human ovarian carcinoma cell line, human lung cancer cell line, rat melanoma cell line was enhanced after the modification. Besides that, the derivatives were improved for the anti-inflammatory efficacy with the cytotoxicity decreased. Conclusions The synthesized derivatives were shown for their good solubility and the great potential in tumor and inflammation treatment.