Medicinal & Aromatic Plants
Open Access

Abstract

Novel Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Crocus sativus: A Mini Review

Suhail Ahmed* and Shuvendhu Gupta

Crocus sativus L. is a valuable medicinal plant that is widely produced for both nutritional and commercial purposes. Saffron and its components have significant pharmacological properties and the potential to display a wide range of therapeutic effects. Saffron contains a high concentration of bioactives such as crocins, crocetin, safranal, picrocrocins, essential oils, and minerals. Obtaining any important substances, such as bioactive chemicals found naturally in plants, is entirely dependent on extraction and purification techniques. The green chemistry requirements for a successful bioactives extraction process should be met, including those for efficiency, economy, or at least minimal contaminants, and safety. The bioactives from saffron have been extracted using a variety of techniques, either separately or in combination, including conventional routes (such as solvent extraction and maceration) and contemporary procedures (e.g. supercritical fluids, pulsed electric field, emulsion liquid extraction, microwave, sonication, enzyme assisted extraction, etc.). The focus of the current review is on the cutting-edge extraction of saffron's bioactive components, which could produce products with an additional value from the most costly spice in the world for uses in food, medicine, and cosmetic formulations.

Published Date: 2023-03-22; Received Date: 2022-12-18