Author(s): Mohammad Abu Bin Nyeem, Md. Khairul Alam, Mohammed Mizanur Rahman Khan, Md. Shazzadul Alam and Md. Monir Ahammed

Abstract:
Crocus sativus (Zaffran) belongs to the family of Iridaceae comprises the dried red stigma. It is widely cultivated in Iran and other countries such as India and Greece. Saffron contains more than 150 volatile and aroma-yielding compounds mainly terpenes, terpene alcohol, and their esters. The bitter taste and an iodoform or hay-like fragrance is caused by chemicals picrocrocin and safranal. Zaffran possesses a number of medicinally important activities such as aphrodisiac, cardioprotective effect, antihypertensive, anticonvulsant, antitussive, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, antidiabetic effects, antigenototoxic and antioxidant, antidepressant, and antinociceptive activity. It also improves memory and learning skills, and increases blood flow in retina and choroid. The present review explores the chemical constituents, pharmacological activity.

Pages: 593-597  |  715 Views  66 Downloads