Unani perspective of Saffron (Crocus sativus Linn.) beyond a spice

Abstract

Background: Saffron is a significant medicinal herb that has a lot of potential for use in the development of new drugs. Since ancient times, saffron (Crocus sativus L.) has been associated with various health benefits in various parts of the world. Some of these applications have been overlooked over time. However, interest in naturally occurring active compounds has rekindled interest in saffron's past applications and the best applications for saffron today can be aided by knowing its various historical uses. It was prized as a culinary spice as well as a perfume, color, and medicinal herb. It was used medicinally in many different cultures to treat a wide range of ailments, from genitourinary to eye problems. In many countries, it was also used as an antidepressant and tonic substance.
 Objective: The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the traditional and modern uses of Crocus sativus, with particular attention to its chemical makeup, pharmacological characteristics, and ethnobotanical description.
 Methodology: Scientific databases and publications about the chemical profile, biological activity, and historical use of saffron were included in the literature search.
 Results: Saffron is bitter, acrid, fragrant, stimulant, tonic, stomachic, aphrodisiac, anodyne, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, diuretic, laxative, galactagogue, and helpful in treating bronchitis, vomiting, fever, melancholia, hepatomegaly, etc. it is widely used in alternative medicine, such as the Unani System of Medicine, Ayurveda, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Saffron has been the subject of numerous phytochemical and biochemical studies due to its extensive use in traditional medical systems. These studies have revealed that saffron contains a number of constituents, including crocetin, safranal, and crocins, the latter of which is primarily responsible for pharmacological actions.
 Keywords; saffron, medicinal herb, unani medicine, crocetin, safranal, emmenagogue.