Saffron/Kesar - Health benefits, application, chemical constituents, side effects and many more

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Saffron/Kesar - The Red Gold


Saffron or Crocus sativus L. is a perennial spicy herb (Iridaceae family) and well known as Red Gold in producer countries. This plant is the most expensive cultivated herb in the world. It has been widely used as a medicinal plant to promote human health, especially in Asia. It is commonly called as kesar or Saffron. Saffron, Crocus is a perennial herb, which earned its popularity as both medicine and spice. It is an inhabitant of different mountainous regions of Asia Minor to Greece, Western Asia, Egypt, and India.

It shows Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic, antigenotoxic, cytotoxic, sedative, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, diaphoretic, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic, anticatarrhal, eupeptic properties.

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Description

It has been documented that saffron was used as a food or spicy plant product for culinary purposes in Achamenian Imperial court. The underground parts of the plant, corms or bulbs, can be used to produce new plant as this plant has no seed propagation. The outstanding feature of the colored flowers of saffron is three stigmas (25-30 mm long), drooped over the petals. The flower has also three yellow stamens, which do not contain the active compounds and usually are not collected. Each bulb produces one to seven flowers. It seems that the cultivated species has originated as a natural hybrid so that it has been selected for its long stigmas and maintained ever since. The flower of C. sativa is a light purple, but it is the thread-like reddish-colored stigma of the flower that is valued both as a spice and as a natural colorant. It takes about 36,000 flowers to yield just 1 pound of stigmas. Over 200,000 dried stigmas (obtained from about 70,000 flowers) yield 500 g of pure saffron.





Vitamin and Mineral content

• Vitamins: Folates-93   /ug,   23%; Niacin-1.46   mg,   9%, Pyridoxin-1.010,   77%; Riboflavin-0.267 mf, 20%, Vitamin A-530 IU, 18% and Vitamin C-80.8 mg, 135%. 

• Electrolytes: Sodium-148 mg, 10% and Potassium-1724 mg, 37%.

• Minerals: Calcium-111  mg,  11  %, Copper-0.328mg,  37%, Iron-11.10mg,  139%, Magnecium-264  mg,  66%, Manganese-28.408  mg,1235%, Phosphorus-252  mg,  36%, Selanium-5.6 /ug, 10% and Zinc-1.09mg, 10%.   

• Energy-310  Kcal,15.5%; Carbohydrate-65.37  g,  50%; Protein-11.43  g,  21%; Total Fat-5.85 g, 29%; Cholesterol-0 mg, 0% and Dietary Fiber-3.9 g, 10%. 

• The main components of saffron are crocin, picrocrocin and safranal.

• The stigmas of C. sativus are known to contain carotenoids, α-crocetin and glycoside crocin (responsible for saffron yellow color) and picrocrocin, the aglyconesafranal (responsible for saffron aroma)

               - Picrocrocin (C16H26O7, 4-(β-d-glucopyranosyloxy)-2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexene-1-carbox-aldehyde) is the substance responsible for the bitter taste of saffron. 

               - The other color compounds of saffron are carotenoids and glycosidic, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, Zeaxanthingentiobioside, glycoside, gentio-glycoside, beta-crocetin di-glycoside and gama-crocetin.

• Antioxidant carotenoids lycopene and zeaxanthin and vitamin B2.

               - Saffron and its constituentscrocin and safranal are also shown to be potent oxygen radical scavengers.

               - Saffron also has trace amounts of thiamine and riboflavin.

• More than 150 compounds have been identified in saffron stigma including colored carotenoids (e.g. crocetin and crocins as glycosidic derivatives), colorless monoterpene aldehydes, volatile agents (e.g. safranal and picrocrocin which are the bitter components), etc.  The traces of non-glycosylated carotenoids unrelated to crocetin are β-carotene, lycopene and zea-xanthin.

                - Crocin belongs to a group of natural carotenoid. It has a deep red color, forms crystals with a melting point of 186 oC and is easily soluble in water. Crocin is responsible for the color of saffron.  It is the main pigment of saffron (approx. 80% of pigment content). Pure crocin can be isolated from saffron extract and is directly crystallized. Crocin is not orally absorbed. Crocins are hydrolyzed to crocetin before or during intestinal absorption, and the absorbed crocetin is partly metabolized to mono and diglucuronide conjugates. Crocins, accounting for almost 6–16% of saffron dry weight.

• Flavonoids especially lycopene, amino acids, proteins, starch, resins and other compounds have also been shown to be present in saffron.

• Anthocyanins have been isolated from the blue perianth segments of C. antalyensis and identified as delphinidin 3-O-(β-d-glucopyranoside)-5-O-(6-O-malonyl-β-d-glucopyranoside and petudin 3,7-di-O-(β-d-glucopyranoside 3,7-di-O-β-d-glucoside of delphinidin 3,5-di-O-β-d-glucosides of delphinidin and petunidin.

• Specific essential oils of the flower contribute to the sweet fragrance of saffron. The principal constituent of total essential oil of C. sativus L., safranal is a carboxaldehyde volatile compound formed by deglucosylation of picrocrocin.

                - The essential oils also comprised several terpene aldehydes, ketones, and terpene derivatives (pinene and cineol).

• The secondary metabolites present in the petals of C. sativus L. are tannins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids, which include rutin, quercetin, luteolin, hesperidin, and bioflavonoids. 



Properties and Benefits

  • Rasa (Taste) – Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter)
  • Guna (Qualities) – Snigdha (Slimy)
  • Taste conversation after digestion – Katu (pungent)
  • Veerya (Potency) – Ushna (Hot)
  • Effect on Tridosha –  Rreduces all the vitiated doshas 
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  • Varnya – Improves skin tone and complexion
  • Kantida – improves skin tone and complexion
  • Vrana Shodhana – cleanses and disifnects wounds
  • Doshatrayahara – Balances all the three Doshas
  • Indicated in –
  • Hikka – hiccups
  • Shiroroga – diseases of head, headache
  • Vami – vomiting
  • Krumi – worm infestation
  • Drushtiroga – vision disorders, eye diseases
  • Visha – Toxic conditions, poisoning
  • Vyanga – Freckles, melasma
  • Kasa – Cough, disorders of throat
  • Varnya – Improves complexion
  • Deepana – Stimulates digestive fire




Uses benefits and application

1) Crushed saffron  threads  are  soaked  in  hot but not the boiling water for several  minutes prior to use in cuisine. This helps release the aromatic components.

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2) Saffron is known to have anti-sun effects that can protect the skin from harmful UV rays. Studies show that saffron lotion may be a better sunscreen than homosalate (an organic compound used in some sunscreens). 


3) Crocus sativus powder is given along with Dashamoola lehya during post- partum period for improving the strength of uterine muscles.


4) Saffron was used in various opioid preparations for pain relief (sixteenth to nineteenth centuries).


5) Saffron has been suggested to be effective in the treatment of a wide range of disorders including coronary artery diseases, hypertension, stomach disorders, dysmenorrhea and learning and memory impairments.


6) Coffee spiced with saffron and cardamom is a soothing and heart healthy drink.

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7) Add saffron and cardamom to whole milk or yogurt and honey for a simple version of the famous Indian yogurt drink, lassi.

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8) Saffron is widely used in Persian, Indian,  European, Arab, and Turkish cuisines. Confectioneries and liquors also often include saffron.


9) Crocus sativus powder is given with powder of Shunti (Ginger) and decoction of Dashamoola to relieve joint pain and fever.

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10) Paste of Saffron is applied over forehead to relieve headache.


11) Paste of turmeric and saffron is applied over wounds and pustules as part of treatment.

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12) Saffron has also been used as a fabric dye,  particularly in China and India, and in perfumer.


13) To increase vitality: In low libido saffron aids as a sexual stimulant and can be consumed in a dose of a pinch in a glass of milk at bed time.

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14) In patchy baldness:  Saffron mixed in  liquorice and milkmakes an effective topical application to induce hair growth in all.

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15) Protection against cold: Saffron is a  stimulant tonic and very effective to treat  cold and fever. Saffron mixed in milk and applied over the forehead quickly relieves cold.


16) Kumkumadi taila is an Ayurvedic oil containing Saffron as main ingredient. It is used to improve skin complexion and acne.

                        - Kumkumadi taila is also useful in allergic reaction, redness, rashes, itching etc.

 

17) Saffron has some other importance in pharmaceutics, cosmetics, perfumery, and textile dye-producing industries.


18) The novel spice is an excellent source of minerals like copper, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, selenium, zinc and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluid that helps  to  control heart rate and blood pressure. The  human body uses manganese and copper as  co-factor  for the antioxidant enzymes,  superoxide dismutase, iron is essential for  red blood cell production and also as a co-factor  for cytochrome oxidase enzumes.


19) Mix 5-6 basil leaves with 10-12 strands of saffron to make a fine paste. Apply this on the face. Wash off with cold water after 10 to 15 minutes. This will help to remove acne and pimples.

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20) Apply saffron soaked milk on face twice a day to help in clearing blemishes.


21) Saffron is very warm in its post digestive effect and hence, it should only be consumed in winters. 


22) It is frequently given to asthma patients in warm milk and is very good for treating recurring sinusitis, upper respiratory infections, weak lungs and low vitality. It is also considered to be an  aphrodisiac which is linked to male fertility improvement and is a treasured ingredient in medicines used to treat skin disorders as well as blemish-reducing skin creams. The other benefits of saffron include the treatment of menstrual disorders.

 

23) Diabetics should drink saffron boiled in milk with a teaspoon of ghee or butter.     

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24) Biryanis are cooked with saffron combined with cloves, cinnamon, Indian bay leaves and nutmeg for a memorable.

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25) Use of Saffron promotes learing and  memory retention: Recent studies have also demonstrated that saffron extract specically its crocin, is useful in the treatment related  mental impairment.


Click here for more Home remedies and Health benefits of Saffron



How to consume?

  • 1 – 2 strands of saffron sprinkle over your favorite dishes, or added to milk, or also take it mixed with honey or ghee.
  • Saffron mixed with honey is good for Kapha disorders – weak digestion, obesity, depressed mood.
  • Saffron with ghee is useful in Pitta disorders – burning sensation, heavy periods, skin health, glow, freckles.  
  • The powder of Saffron is mixed with milk or honey and is consumed to improve the complexion of the skin.
  • The paste of the saffron is applied over the area affected with black head, pimples and skin discoloration.
  • Saffron with milk is useful in Vata disorders – muscle aches, pains, anxiety, abdominal pain, cramps.




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Reference :

1) Avicenna J Phytomed. 2015 Sep-Oct; 5(5): 376–391.   PMCID: PMC4599112

2) Pharmacogn Rev. 2013 Jan-Jun; 7(13): 61–66.  PMCID: PMC3731881

3) J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2018 Oct-Dec; 10(4): 173–180.   PMCID: PMC6266642

4) Molecules.  Published online 2017 Dec 23.  PMCID: PMC5943931

5) World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, Vol 6, Issue 04, 2017

6) Traditional and Modern Uses of Saffron (Crocus Sativus) | Journals | Cosmetics | Volume 6 | Issue 4 

7) Caraka Samhita

8) Sushruta Samhita

9)Astanga Hridaya

10) Local tradition and knowledge

11) NCBI

12) PUBMED

14) Ancient Science of Life, Vol No. V No. 1 July 1985, Pages 68 - 73

15) Pharmacognosy Journal, Vol 9, Issue 6, Nov-Dec, 2017

16) National Medicinal Plants Board|Government of India

17) Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2019 Apr; 22(4): 334–344.  PMCID: PMC6535192



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