GARDENIA YELLOW

Definition

ChEBI: Crocin-1 is a diester that is crocetin in which both of the carboxy groups have been converted to their gentiobiosyl esters. It is one of the water-soluble yellow-red pigments of saffron and is used as a spice for flavouring and colouring food. Note that in India, the term 'Crocin' is also used by GlaxoSmithKline as a brand-name for paracetamol. It has a role as an antioxidant, a food colouring, a plant metabolite and a histological dye. It is a diester, a disaccharide derivative and a diterpenoid. It is functionally related to a beta-D-gentiobiosyl crocetin and a gentiobiose.

Hazard

Moderately toxic by ingestion