Chemical characterization and antioxidant compounds of flower parts of Moroccan crocus sativus L.

Abstract

Abstract To obtain 1 kg of dry saffron, 167,000 flowers are pruned and nothing is done with them. For that, and in the objective to valorize these bio residues, the proximate composition, minerals, proteins, soluble sugar and lipid, of saffron flowers and their parts were determined. The results showed that stamens were the flower parts with the highest contents of ash (13.45%), proteins (5.97%), soluble sugars (0.06%) but a low content of lipids (0.03%). Whole flowers-have had high ash content (11.21%), proteins (4.3%) and total carbohydrates (62%), and were low in lipid (0.03%) as the stamens. Compared to the stamens or whole flowers petals had a less content of ash (7.30%), but were rich in proteins (6.35%). The flower parts with the highest Na and K contents were the styles and stamens compared to the other flower parts. The content of crude fiber obtained is shown in descending order in this sense, stamen, petals, wholes flowers and styles. The high Ca content were in the styles. Total phenol content ranges from 25.24 to 65.34 gallic acid equivalent/g of powder crude extract and total flavonoids ranges from 12.17 to 60.64 mg of CE/g of dry plant for flower parts crocus sativus. The high Fe content was in the whole flowers. These results could contribute to the development of new products from flowers of saffron then a better management and exploitation of the Saffron bio-residues obtained in Taliouine region.