Saffron (Crocus sativus L.), family Iridaceae, commonly known as red gold, is one of the most expensive and valuable spice crops in the world market. It is a triploid plant that is propagated through corms. Saffron is cultivated successfully in Iran, Afghanistan, India, Greece, Morocco, Spain and Italy. Saffron flowers in the range of 75–100 provide 225–300 stigma threads, which produce only 0.5 g of dry stigma.
Upon flowering, the plants are 20–30 cm (8–12 in) in height and bear up to four flowers.
Nowadays, saffron cultivation is gaining interest due to its major uses in culinary adjunct, food additive, coloring, and flavoring industries. Saffron also contributes a luminous yellow-orange colouring to foods. Saffron is widely used in Persian, Indian, European, and Arab cuisines.
Saffron is used in dishes ranging from the jewelled rice and khoresh of Iran, the Milanese risotto of Italy, the paella of Spain, the bouillabaisse of France, to the biryani with various meat accompaniments in South Asia.
| Common Name(s) | Saffron crocus |
| Scientific Name | Crocus sativus |
| Days to Harvest | 6-8 weeks |
| Harvesting time | Autumn |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate water during production; no water during dormancy |
| Soil | Well-drained sandy to loamy soil |
| Temperature | 23–27 °C in summer and not less than − 15 to − 20 °C in winter |
| Fertilizer | Compost or bone meal |
| Pests | Small mammals such as rabbits, gofers, voles, mice and Saffron bulb mite |
| Diseases | Corm rot (fungal diseases including Rhizopus, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium) |
Saffron extracts and tinctures have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for the treatment of different syndromes and diseases. Some of these uses have been antispasmodic, eupeptic, sedative, carminative, diaphoretic, expectorant, stomachic, stimulant, aphrodisiac, emmenagogue and abortifacient.
Medicinal uses
- Saffron acts as a powerful antioxidant — molecules that protect your cells against free radicals and oxidative stress.
- It may improve mood and treat depressive symptoms. Saffron is nicknamed the sunshine spice. This is not just due to its distinct color but also because it may help brighten your mood.
- It may have cancer-fighting properties. Saffron is high in antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals. Free radical damage has been linked to chronic diseases, such as cancer.
- Saffron may reduce PMS symptoms. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a term that describes physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms occurring before the start of a menstrual period.
- Saffron may act as an aphrodisiac. Aphrodisiacs are foods or supplements that help boost your libido. Studies have shown that saffron may have aphrodisiac properties — especially in people taking antidepressants.
- It may reduce appetite and aid weight loss.
- It may reduce heart disease risk factors. Animal and test-tube studies indicate that saffron’s antioxidant properties may lower blood cholesterol and prevent blood vessels and arteries from clogging.
- Saffron may lower blood sugar levels. Saffron may lower blood sugar levels and raise insulin sensitivity, as seen in test-tube studies and mice with diabetes.
- It may improve eyesight in adults with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Saffron appears to improve eyesight in adults with AMD and protect against free radical damage, which is linked to AMD.
- Saffron may improve memory in adults with Alzheimer's disease. Saffron’s antioxidant properties may improve cognition in adults with Alzheimer’s disease.
Precautions
- When taken by mouth: Saffron is commonly consumed as a spice or coloring in foods. Saffron is possibly safe when taken as a medicine in doses up to 100 mg daily for up to 26 weeks. Some common side effects include drowsiness, stomach problems, and nausea or vomiting. Allergic reactions are also possible. Taking large amounts of saffron by mouth is possibly unsafe. High doses of 5 grams or more can cause poisoning. Doses of 12-20 grams can cause death.
- When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if saffron is safe or what the side effects might be.
- Pregnancy: Saffron is commonly consumed as a spice or coloring in foods. Taking saffron by mouth in amounts larger than what is normally found in food is likely unsafe. Larger amounts of saffron can make the uterus contract and might cause a miscarriage.
- Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if saffron is safe to use when breast-feeding in amounts greater than those found in food. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
- Bipolar disorder: Saffron seems to be able to affect mood. It might trigger excitability and impulsive behavior in people with bipolar disorder. Don't use saffron if you have this condition.
- Allergies to Lolium, Olea (includes olive), and Salsola plant species: People who are allergic to these plants might also be allergic to saffron.
- Surgery: Saffron slows down the central nervous system. Anesthesia and other medications used during surgery also affect the central nervous system. Stop taking saffron at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Interactions
- Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with SAFFRON. Saffron might lower blood pressure. Taking saffron along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.
- Caffeine interacts with SAFFRON. Saffron might decrease how quickly the body breaks down caffeine. Taking saffron with caffeine might increase the effects and side effects of caffeine in some people.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with SAFFRON. Saffron might lower blood sugar levels. Taking saffron along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with SAFFRON. Saffron might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking saffron with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.
