Salt stress causes a significant increase in anti-cancer crocins content of saffron stigma

Abstract

Saffron is one of the highly prized spices in the world. This spice is dark-red owing to the accumulation of crocins. Crocins are a group of carotenoid derivatives termed apocarotenoids with various health-promoting properties, especially anticancer and antidepressant ones. The present study aims to investigate the changes in the total crocin content in Crocus sativus stigma under salt stress. Additionally, plant resistance was evaluated by measuring the amounts of proline, soluble and insoluble sugars, potassium, and sodium in leaves. The corms about 80 g were planted in planting boxes under 6 levels of salinity (0, 2, 4, 6, 10 dS/m) in a completely random design with four replications. Results showed that after a relative decrease under electrical conductivities (EC) from 2 to 4 dS/m (49.62 mg/g DW), a sudden increase occurred in the total crocin content at the EC of 6 dS/m (63.07 mg/g DW). The amount of proline significantly increased at the EC of 4 dS/m (18.1 µg/g DW). With increasing levels of salinity, the amount of glucose, calcium, potassium, and sodium gradually increased in the leaves. Therefore, one of the advantages of saffron cultivation in saline areas or with saline water can be an increase in crocin. This not only brings huge economic benefits but also has a beneficial effect on human health.