Effect of crocin on reducing the number of embryos and implantation sites in mice

Crocin is one of the main components of saffron. The effect of saffron on birth abortion has been established. So, the possible effect of crocin on abortion was evaluated in this study. Pregnant mice were divided into 8 groups. Each group received crocin (0 or 10 or 50 or 100 mg/kg, i.p.) from the first to the fifth day of pregnancy. Then, the first four groups were sacrificed on the seventh day to evaluate the implantation sites. The other four groups were sacrificed on the 20th day and the number of embryos was counted. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. Administration of crocin (50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly reduced the mean number of implantation sites and embryos compared to the control group (P<0.05). Administration of high doses of crocin in the first week of pregnancy reduced the number of implantation places and embryos in mice.