Cultivation, distribution, taxonomy, chemical composition and medical importance of Crocus sativus

Abstract

Crocus sativus L. is one of the most important plant belongs to family Iridaceae. It is having various medicinal potential, and is widely being used in food industries. In Jammu and Kashmir State, its cultivation is restricted to two districts only (Pulwama and Kishtwar). In the present review an attempt was made to highlight the cultivation practices of saffron, to discuss its distribution around the globe, to specify its taxonomic status, to enlist its chemical constituents, and to discuss its various beneficial usages.

Current Knowledge of the Antidepressant Activity of Chemical Compounds from Crocus sativus L.

“…The plant produces an underground tuber and basal, stiff, lanceolate leaves. Its lilac–purple flowers are composed of six tepals, three stamens, and a pistil with a long style and a tripartite dark orange stigma [ 143 , 144 , 145 , 146 , 147 ]. Stigmas, commonly referred to as saffron, are hand-picked during the flowering period and dried immediately after harvesting.…”

“…They have high economic importance and are the most expensive raw material in the world. Currently, saffron retail prices reach up to $11,000 per kilogram, while the petals are much cheaper [ 142 , 143 , 144 , 145 , 146 , 147 , 148 , 149 , 150 , 151 , 152 , 153 , 154 , 155 , 156 , 157 , 158 , 159 , 160 , 161 ].…”