An Introduction to Saffron
Saffron is a small and perennial plant which is 10-30 cm high. Some narrow and long leaves will come out of the bulb or stem bas, from the center of these leaves , the flowered stem appears which ends in one to three flowers. The flowers have six purple petals which may turn to red or violet in some varieties. The flowers have three stamens and a pistil which ends in a three-pronged style in orange red. The usable parts of this plant is the end of its stigma and its three-pronged style that is known as Saffron and has a good and bitter fragrance.
The chemical ingredients of Saffron
The most important components in Saffron include yellow-like ingredients which are soluble in water (derivatives of Crocidine). The bitter components like Picocrocin that are useful for stomach which mostly contains Saffronal that sometimes forms up to 1% of the Saffron. Saffron is composed of 10% constant oil and 5% minerals.
Usages of Saffron in food and industry
Because of its special taste, fragrance and its golden-yellow hue, is abundantly used in foods (especially with rice), confectionary industry, pharmacy and other related industries.
Pharmaceutical benefits of Saffron
Saffron tea is basically proved to be good for treating depressive disorders and it causes vitality. It helps the digestive system in its performance; it makes the food digest easier, eliminates stomach bloating, facilitates blood circulation and blood production is another benefit of Saffron. In addition, it has anti-oxidant and anti-cancer benefits.
Crocin and Saffronal which are the main ingredients of Saffron have an impact on treating depression just like Fluoxetine drug and it prevents the re-absorption of Dopamine, norepinephrine and Serotonin and therefore it has an anti-depression impact.
The existing Carotenoids in Saffron especially Crocin and Crocidine that are among the anti-oxidants will prevent the oxidation of fatty acids in the membrane by preventing the ROS activity and there for will enhance sperm morphology and motion and male’s sexual performance. Upon limiting the synthesis of RNA and DNA in cancer cells, the obstruction of free radicals’ chain reactions will help the prevention and treatment of cancer by activating its components’ anti-oxidant activity.
In Traditional Medicine, Saffron is used as a pain-killer, phlegm remover, sexual excitant and sweat enhancer.
Arvand Ati Asia Company is honored to pack and export Saffron in its different varieties of “Grade 1 Sargol and Negin”, “Poushal and Dokhtarpich” in different packages and weights through its direct relation with the greatest producers of Saffron in Iran.