AIM:To clarify both the character of the absorption and the stability of crocin in various sites along the intestinal tract,and also to determine the partition coefficient of crocin-1 in water/n-caprylic alcohol system. METHOD:The intestinal absorption and stability was investigated using in situ perfusion method in rats; Shaking flask test was used to determine the partition coefficient of crocin-1;Concentration of crocin-1 was detected by HPLC.RESULT:Decrease of Crocin-1 in various intestine segments is as follows:Duodenum 13.81%,Jejunum 9.89%,Ileum 10.07%,and Colon 10.04%,but crocin-1 can’t be found in blood; Degradation of Crocin-1 during incubation in refluxing solution of various intestinal segments is as follows:Duodenum 13.01%,Jejunum 10.11%,Ileum 9.95%,and Colon 10.45%; The partition coefficient of crocin-1 P =0.093±0.004,log P =-1.03±0.02.CONCLUSION:The results suggest that crocin is unstable and can’t be absorbed in the whole intestinal tract.
