Comparative evaluation of crocin antioxidant in three agronomic and wildlife saffron species

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is used extensively in the food industry as a coloring and flavoring natural material. Saffron stigma contains water-soluble carotenoids such as crocin, and forms the main pigment of C. sativus stigma which prevents the growth and spread of cancer cells. Comparative analysis of crocin in the stigmas and stamen of C. sativus and two wild species of saffron in Guilan province, namely C. caspius and C. speciosus was the main aim of this study. The results showed that the concentration of crocin in the stigma of wild species of C. caspius and C. speciosus was significantly higher than C. sativus. Also, the amount of crocin in the stamen was significantly lower than stigma in all examined species. Regarding the importance of the active constituent of crocin, two wild species of saffron in Guilan province can be a good source of this valuable antioxidant. So far, no report has been published in this regard

Keywords:

stigma , stamen , C. sativus , C. caspius , C. speciosus