Picrocrocin exerted growth inhibitory effects on the SK-MEL-2 melanoma cells. The IC 50 of picrocrocin against the SK-MEL-2 cells was 20 μM at 24-h incubation. The antiproliferative activity of picrocrocin was due to apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. In addition, picrocrocin enhanced the ROS levels and decreased the MMP levels of SK-MEL-2 cells. Finally, picrocrocin inhibited the JAK/STAT5 signalling pathway in the SK-MEL-2 melanoma cells.