Phytochemical Profiling of Crocus sativus L. (Saffron): A Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Its Therapeutic Benefits

Abstract

Crocus sativus L., commonly known as saffron, is a sterile geophyte species that belongs to the Iridaceae family and blooms in the autumn. It reproduces through a vegetative pathway through corms only. The red stigmas from its flowers are prized for their medicinal properties, culinary applications, perfume and cosmetic preparation, and collection, drying, and use as a spice. Because saffron is such a costly, valuable, and opulent spice all over the world, it is also known as "red gold." It is utilized in medicines, flavoring, and fragrance products. Phytochemicals like safranal and picrocrocin give saffron its distinct flavour and iodoform- or hay-like aroma. It contains crocin, a carotenoid pigment that gives dishes and textiles a deep golden-yellow colour. The global yield of saffron under open field conditions is estimated at 3.4 kg ha−1 (418 t y−1 of production in 121,338 ha). In the current work, Crocus sativus L. stigmas were investigated for their phytochemical composition using hot, continuous, and consecutive extraction using a Soxhlet apparatus. A variety of solvents were used for the qualitative assay. Different solvents were used in the extraction process in ascending order of polarity. Alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, triterpenoids, phenols, steroids, coumarins, cardiac glycosides, and phytosterols were found in the extracts after a qualitative examination using conventional techniques. Alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, and tannins were all quantified. The highest concentration of alkaloids was found in chloroform and ethanol (600 mg/g), while the highest concentration of flavonoids was found in ethyl acetate and methanol (250 mg/g), and the highest concentration of phenols and tannins was found in ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts (200 mg/g).