Saffron Plant Research Articles

High density planting and manure affect flower yield, corm characteristics, and volatile compounds of saffron (Crocus sativus L.)

Special attention to the importance of medicinal plants in the world today in the agricultural, health and economic sectors is undeniable. Saffron is known as a very important medicinal and spice plant in the world. To study the response of the saffron plant to dense corm planting and different levels of manure, a two-year experiment was conducted in a split-plot complete block design with three replicates at Research Farm of University of Gonabad, Iran, during 2016–2019. The main factor consisted of 5, 10, and 15 cm spacing between plants on rows, and the sub-factor consisted of control (no manure) and application of 20, 40, and 60 t ha−1 cow manure. The results showed that the maximum fresh flower yield in the first production year (74.5 kg ha−1) was achieved in the 40 t ha−1 treatment under 5-cm corm spacing. In the second production year, maximum fresh flower yield (161.2 kg ha−1) was obtained from the 60 t ha−1 manure treatment under 5-cm spacing. The highest dry stigma yield (2.04 and 2.69 kg ha−1, in the first and second production year respectively) were obtained in plots with high planting density (5 cm spacing) and 60 t ha−1 manure application. The highest daughter corm weights (3.18 and 3.23 g, in the first and second production year respectively) were obtained from the lowest corm planting density (15 cm). The 60 t ha−1 manure application resulted in the highest values for almost all traits. Therefore, to achieve suitable economic yield in saffron cultivation, application of 60 t ha−1 cow manure under 20 × 5 cm planting density is suggested for areas with similar climatic and edaphic conditions to this experiment.

Green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3) using saffron extract

In this study, iron oxide nanoparticles were prepared using saffron plant extract, and the prepared particles were diagnosed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray resolution (EDX), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis). This method falls within the green chemistry, an environmentally friendly method and at a lower cost than other methods

Diversity of Endophytic and Pathogenic Fungi of Saffron (Crocus sativus) Plants from Cultivation Sites in Italy

Crocus sativus is an important crop for the production of saffron and bioactive compounds. Plant endophytic fungi are a source of secondary metabolites additional to those produced by the plant itself. We analysed the biodiversity of endophytic fungi present in corms, stems, leaves, tepals, and stigmas of C. sativus from ten Italian sites; furthermore, we isolated putative pathogenic fungi from rotten plants. We used an in vitro isolation approach followed by molecular analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS rDNA) region. We obtained 165 strains belonging to 39 OTUs, spreading over 26 genera and 29 species. Dark septate endophytes of the genus Cadophora and the species Talaromyces pinophilus dominated in corms, while Alternaria alternata, Epicoccum spp., T. pinophilus, Mucor fragilis, and Stemphylium vesicarium dominated in other tissues. The most frequently isolated pathogens were Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizopus oryzae. Endophytic communities significantly differed among tissues and life stages, whereas differences among cultivation sites were not statistically supported. Several endophytes were hypothesized to have changing trophic modes and/or to be latent pathogens in C. sativus. All strains were conserved ex-situ for future bioactivity tests and production of metabolites.

An In Vitro Study of the Effects of Crocin on the Modulation of DSPP, VEGF-A, HLA-G5, STAT3 and CD200 Expression in Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells.

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) have been recommended as promising candidate for cell-based therapeutic applications due to high potentials in tissue repair/regeneration and modulation of immune responses. The gene expression change strategy by natural plant enhancers is an available opportunity to improve the stemness properties of these cells. The objective of this research was the evaluation of Crocin effects (saffron plant's bioactive compound) on immunoregulation and tissue regeneration-related biomarkers expression in human DPSCs. Based on the results of cell viability assay, application of 400 μM and lower concentrations of Crocin had no toxic effects on DPSCs; however, the time-dependent cytotoxic effects were observed at higher concentrations. This study, probably for the first time, detected the surface expression of CD200 in DPSCs with a slight time-dependent upward trend and reported that treatment with Crocin could increase expression of this macromolecule up to many times over. Also, it revealed that this carotenoid significantly led to the time-dependent upregulation of dentin sialophosphoprotein, vascular endothelial growth factor A, human leukocyte antigen-G5, and signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs); however, this significant upregulation for STAT3 occurred, followed by a remarkable reduction. The results of this study indicated that cell treatment with Crocin may be effective in improving the stemness capacities of DPSCs. Therefore, the study provided basis for more insights into the biological effects of Crocin on DPSCs that it may aid in the future improvement of mesenchymal stem cell-based therapies.

Perfuming saffron in Egypt in the era of the Mamluk sultans: (648-923AH/1250-1517AD)

When we look at the historical trajectory of any civilization as a gradual process of moving patterns of life from simplicity and fulfillment of to complexity and diversity of requirements. By virtue of the Egyptian civilization historical precedence, it had a distinguished precedent in capturing every material of nature that contributed to achieve ritual richness. Where ritual practices were one of the most important features of Egyptian civilization throughout the history of its social and religious activities And manifested itself portrayed in the Islamic era, especially since the Mamlukera, At an early age, patterns of group communication moved from the level of seeking to provide the necessities of living to the level of concern for achieving in life. Our gateway to examining an aspect of this passion for rituals and achieving improvements will be to observe pages of the Egyptian history of Perfumingsaffron on various occasions in the Mamluk era . Through an initial observation which indicated that Perfuming saffron consider a ritual that took place in social situations differed in the nature of its emotional component and varied in the nature of it's psychological effect, the behavior of Perfuming saffron included all classes of Egyptian society, where rulers use it as well as members of the common Egyptian people. The current study revolves around that historical period, with the beginning of the linguistic and idiomatic definition of Perfuming saffron, followed by an explanation of the various uses of the saffron plant. There are also some references that explain the precedence of the ancient Egyptian civilization to practice the ritual of perfuming saffron until the establishment of the Mamluk state, it became a prominent mark of the diversity of its images among the Strata of society in various situations that sometimes express joy and happiness, as well as show schadenfreude, the sources also mentioned pictures of the of perfuming messages, banners, clothing, shrouds, religious and civil architectural structures with saffron.

Biology Of Crocus Sativus L. In Termiz

This article observed the generative phase of the saffron plant grown in Termez conditions. Based on the data obtained, the daily and seasonal flowering dynamics of the plant were constructed.

Effect of crocin versus fluoxetine in treatment of mild to moderate obsessive-compulsive disorder: A double blind randomized clinical trial.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common disabling disorder. Crocin, the active component of the saffron plant (Crocus Sativus L.) has various pharmacological activities. The present study compared the efficacy and safety of crocin and fluoxetine in treatment of mild to moderate OCD. Fifty patients with OCD, aged 18 to 60 years, were randomized to receive either crocin (15mg) or fluoxetine (20mg) capsules for 8 weeks. Eligible participants received one capsule/day in the first month, which followed by two capsules daily in the second month. The patients were evaluated using Yale-Brown Obsessive-compulsive scale (Y-BOCS) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating scale (HARS). The mean Y-BOCS score in both groups decreased significantly during 2 months (p-value=0.0001). Also, HARS score in the crocin group was changed from 17.16 to 13.04 whereas, in the fluoxetine group was decreased from 18.28 to 12.34. The results indicated no difference between the two groups in Y-BOCS and HARS score changes after 2-month trial (p-value >0.5). Also, fewer adverse effects were reported in the crocin group compared to the fluoxetine group. According to our study, it seems that crocin is effective in treatment of patients with mild to moderate OCD with possibly fewer adverse effects compared to fluoxetine.

The effect of salt stress on the production of apocarotenoids and the expression of genes related to their biosynthesis in saffron.

Saffron stigmas are widely used as food additives and as traditional medicine in Iran and many other countries. The unique taste, flavor and pharmaceutical properties of saffron stigmas are due to the presence of three apocarotenoids secondary metabolites crocin, picrocrocin and safranal. There is limited knowledge about the effect of environmental stresses on the metabolism of apocarotenoids in saffron. We analyzed the content of crocin and picrocrocin and the expression of key genes of apocarotenoid biosynthesis pathways (CsCCD2, CsCCD4, CsUGT2, CsCHY-β and CsLCYB) in saffron plants exposed to moderate (90mM) and high (150mM) salt (NaCl)concentrations. Measuring ion concentrations in leaves showed an increased accumulation of Na+ and decreased uptake of K+ in salt treated compared to control plants indicating an effective salt stress. HPLC analysis of apocarotenoids revealed that crocin production was significantly halted (P < 0.05) with increasing salt concentration while picrocrocin level did not change with moderate salt but significantly dropped by high salt concentration. Real-time PCR analysis revealed a progressive decrease in transcript levels of CsUGT2 and CsLCYB genes with increasing salt concentration (P < 0.05). The expression of CsCCD2 and CsCHY-β tolerated moderate salt concentration but significantly downregulated with high salt concentration. CsCCD4 however responded differently to salt concentration being decreased with moderate salt but increased at higher salt concentration. Our result suggested that salt stress had an adverse effect on the production of saffron apocarotenoids and it is likely influencing the quality of saffron stigma produced.

Effect of Irrigation Water Salinity and Deficit Irrigation on Soil Ions Variation and Uptake by Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Under Two Planting Methods

A 2-years field experiment in a split-split plot arrangement was considered to investigate the effects of different irrigation water salinity [0.45 (well water, S1), 1.0 (S2), 2.0 (S3), 3.0 (S4) dS m−1], irrigation water levels [100% (I1), 75% (I2) and 50% (I3) of saffron water requirement (WR)] and planting methods [basin (P1) and in-furrow (P2)] on the dynamics of salt ions and their uptake by saffron plant (Crocus sativus L.). The electrical conductivity of soil saturation extract (ECe) was increased by 104% in S4 compared to control (S1), on average, in two growing seasons. S4 treatment increased concentration of sodium (Na+), calcium (Ca2+), potassium (K+) and chloride (Cl−) in soil by 102%, 92%, 124% and 128% in comparison with S1, on average, in two growing seasons. The concentration of Na+, Ca2+, K+ and Cl− in soil in S4 were 30%, 15%, 28% and 29% higher and NO3 was 30.3% lower in I1 in comparison with I3, respectively. The ions concentration in soil were 3.5–14.7% higher in P1 in comparison with those in P2. Leaf Na+, Ca2+ and Cl− concentration was increased by increase in irrigation water salinity while K+, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations were decreased by 28.4%, 25.7% and 29.8% in S4 in comparison with that obtained in S1, on average, which is presumably due to reduced NO3 and P concentrations in soil and increased Na+ uptake by saffron. Also, deficit irrigation reduced soil and leaf ions (Na+ and Cl−) threshold and increased the slope of relative yield-ions concentration reduction function, which indicated that water stress aggravates saffron sensitivity to salinity and ions concentration in soil and leaf. Results indicated that saffron was more sensitive to Na+ concentration in soil extract compared with Cl−. Na+ and Cl− threshold was 19.3% and 27.1% higher in P2, on average, in different irrigation levels, respectively. Therefore, the in-furrow planting method is suggested to cope with unfavorable saffron field conditions.

Safranın (Crocus sativus L.) özellikleri, tarihçesi ve gıdalarda kullanımı üzerine bir araştırma

Saffron is an important spice obtained from the dried red stigmas of "Crocus sativus L." belonging to the Iridaceae family. It is used in traditional medicine from ancient times to modern times thanks to its medicinal properties, in various fields such as cosmetics, paint industry, food sector thanks to the bioactive components it contains. The production of saffron, which is one of the most valuable spices in the world and has a wide area of use, is limited to geographical regions such as Iran, India, Afghanistan, Spain, Italy, Greece and Morocco. In addition, although it is among the highest quality saffron producers, its cultivation and production in our country has decreased considerably and it is only made in some villages of Karabük province, Safranbolu county. The limited production of saffron reduces the recognition of this plant, which has a wide range of uses and has high economic value. This valuable plant, which is thought to provide economic gain to our country, should be brought back to the economy. In this review, the saffron plant is discussed in every aspect in order to emphasize its value once more and to make its cultivation sustainable and information about its botanical characteristics, history, regions where it is grown, chemical composition and use in foods was given.

Creating a method for determining the amount of amino acids in the sown saffron plant– Crocus Sativus L

Creating a method for determining the amount of amino acids in the sown saffron plant– Crocus Sativus L

Novel endophytic species of Talaromyces sect. Talaromyces associated with saffron plant to the mycobiota of Iran

In an investigation of the biodiversity of endophytic fungal species associated with saffron plant in Iran's main saffron cultivation regions, five isolates belong to Talaromyces genuswere obtained. The isolates identified as Talaromyces versatilis, T. aurantiacus, T. pinophilus, T. funiculosus, and T. purpureogenus by morphological and molecular criteria. To our knowledge, two species, including Talaromyces versatilis and T. aurantiacus are the first reports for the mycobiota of Iran.

Characterization of Exogenous Nitric Oxide Effect on Crocus sativus Response to Different Irrigation Regimes

Water scarcity is one of the main factors limiting crop production worldwide. The study on response of saffron to irrigation regime showed that one-time irrigation at field capacity of 100% resulted in the greatest number and weight of flower, and dry stigma yield, but weekly irrigation regime at the same conditions prevented flowering process. One-time irrigation regime reduced water potential (Ψw) of plants, while the contents of chlorophylls, carotenoid, anthocyanin, carbohydrates, phenol, amino acid, proline, H2O2, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the one-time irrigated plants were higher than in the weekly irrigated plants. The nitric oxide (NO) donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), significantly increased photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic pigments, metabolites, and antioxidants in both irrigation regimes, with the highest content in the one-time irrigated plants. The SNP treatment increased the flower yield in the one-time irrigated plants, but it could not induce flowering in the weekly irrigated plants. Collectively, these results demonstrated the importance of irrigation regime in flower induction in saffron. Even though the exogenous SNP improved the performance of saffron, it could not overcome the importance of irrigation frequency regime on flowering process. Overall, the SNP application accompanied with the one-time irrigation regime provided higher flower yield and improved the physiological performance of saffron plant.

The Effect of 24-Epibrassinolide Treatments at Different Concentrations on Some Growth Parameters and Crocin Level in Saffron (Crocus sativus L.)

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are steroid phyotohormones that play roles in plant growth, secondary metabolite accumulation, stress response, and adaptation. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is an important plant with significant pharmacological effects due to its rich phytochemical content. Crocin, the main pigment of the saffron stigma, is a natural food colorant and has anti-cancer activity. In this study, the effects of 24-Epibrassinolide (EBL) at different concentrations (10-6, 10-7, 10-8 and 10-9 M) on corm (mother corm) and aerial part related parameters as well as the level of crocin in saffron were investigated. The experiment was conducted in a plant growth cabinet as randomized plots design with 3 replications. 24-Epibrassinolide treatments did not affect the rates of shoot emergence from saffron corms, while 10-8 and 10-9 M EBL treatments increased the number of active nodium and cormlet (daughter corm) as compared to control. All the applied EBL concentrations significantly increased the root and shoot lengths of saffron plants. The maximum number of flowers per plant was observed as a result of the 10-8 M EBL treatment. Exogenous treatment of 10-9 M EBL enhanced the crocin level by 96.0% compared to the control. This is the first study to evaluate the effects of BRs in saffron.

Comparison of Saffron versus Fluoxetine in Treatment of Women with Premenstrual Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a set of physical and psychological symptoms such as mood disability, breast tenderness, food craving, fatigue, and depression. Fluoxetine and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) usually are being administered for these patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of saffron plant in terms of its anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant effects compared to fluoxetine. Materials and Method: This study was a three-blind clinical trial that was carried out on working women and their relatives. Firstly, 164 patients with the premenstrual syndrome were selected, and they were randomly divided into two 82-person groups, including those who received fluoxetine and those who received saffron. Next, both groups were treated for two months. The data were collected in two stages through a self-designed questionnaire (on day 5 of menstrual cycle) and validated questionnaires of PRISM and Beck at the end of the period. Results: It was indicated that similar to fluoxetine, the use of saffron in PMS reduced the symptoms such as abdominal bloating, depression, and mood swing, but the latter could better relieve the breast and abdominal pain than fluoxetine. Conclusion: It was concluded that the use of medicinal herbs such as saffron could be effective in reducing the symptoms and they might cause fewer side effects than chemical drugs.

Antibacterial Effect of Methanolic Extract of Saffron Petal (Crocus sativus L.) on Some Standard Gram Positive and Gram Negative Pathogenic Bacteria In vitro

Background: Nowadays, increasing antibiotic resistance of bacteria has provided the opportunity to replace herbal remedies with fewer side effects than conventional medicines; therefore, in this study, the antibacterial effects of methanolic extract of saffron petal against Staphylococcus aureus , Bacillus cereus , Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli strains were evaluated. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, after collecting the saffron plant and confirming its scientific name, the saffron petal extract was prepared in concentrations of 20 mg/ml to 400 mg/ml. Then the antimicrobial effects of this extract were investigated by well diffusion and tube dilution method. Results: The results showed that the methanolic extract of saffron petal had antibacterial effects on the tested bacteria in both tube dilution and well diffusion methods. The highest effect was observed in S. aureus and the least in P. aeruginosa. Conclusion: Based on the above results, it can be hoped that Saffron petals extract can be used in the treatment of bacterial infections and can be a suitable replacement for conventional chemical drugs in the treatment of infections.

Isolation, purification and characterization of naturally derived Crocetin beta-d-glucosyl ester from Crocus sativus L. against breast cancer and its binding chemistry with ER-alpha/HDAC2.

Saffron plant (Crocus sativus L.) is being used as a source of saffron spice and medicine to cure or prevent different types of diseases including cancers. We report the isolation, characterization of bioactive small molecule ([crocetin (β-d-glucosyl) ester] from the leaf biowastes of saffron plant of Kashmir, India. MTTC assay and Bio-autography aided approach were used to assess anti-oxidant activity and anti-cancer properties of crocin (s) against DPPH free radical and breast cancer cell line respectively. Crocetin beta-d-glucosyl ester restrained proliferation of human breast adeno-carcinoma cell model (MCF-7) without significantly affecting normal cell line (L-6). Further studies involving molecular mechanics generalized born surface area and molecular docking showed that crocetin beta-d-glucosyl ester exhibits strong affinity for estrogen receptor alpha and histone deacetylase 2 (crucial receptors involved in breast cancer signalling) as evidenced by the negative docking score and binding free energy (BFE) values. Therefore, crocetin beta-d-glucosyl ester from Crocus sativus biowastes showed antiproliferative effect possibly by inhibiting estrogen receptor alpha and HDAC2 mediated signalling cascade.

Computer based production of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.): From mechanical design to electronic control

The article describes the design and implementation of a computer based industrial system for production of saffron. The proposal is based on an automated greenhouse with temperature, light and irrigation control together with harvesting and stigma separation devices. The harvesting device has been specifically developed using scalability properties and computer vision. The greenhouse is designed to increase the crop density if required generating a more sustainable and continuous production. The main advantages of the proposed method are as follows: the harvesting of the saffron flower and the procedure to get the stigmas are carried out in the same process; the greenhouse allows to significantly extend the flowering time of the saffron plant; and higher productivity per worker and per planting area is achieved. In order to show the feasibility and applicability of the proposed approach, real experimentation has been carried out for the extension of the flowering time and for the harvesting and stigma separation devices and successful results have been obtained.

Bioprospecting Elicitation with Gamma Irradiation Combine with Chitosan to Enhance, Yield Production, Bioactive Secondary Metabolites and Antioxidant Activity for Saffron

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) corms were subjected to gamma irradiation doses; 0,5,15,25 Gy (G1-4) then were planted as annual crop in complete randomized split block design with three replicates. The resultant plants 3 months aged and every month up tile before flowering, were vegitatively sprayed with chitosan solution; 0,50,100,200 mg/L concentrations. Data (C1-4) for growth and yield traits were recorded and subjected to statistic ANDVA, revealed that individual G2, G3 as well as C2, C3, C4 performed positive significant impact on growth traits (plant height, flowers fresh weight, number of flowers, fresh and dry weight of flowers m2) that cause to significant positive impacts in yield traits (main saffron stigmas yield /ha, second medicine – therapeutic metabolites (crocin, picrocrocin, safronal), antioxidant activity and secondary by – product, corms yield/ ha) whilst, G4 attained significant negative impacts in growth and yield traits. Combine applications (G2 C2, G2C3, G2C4), (G3C2, G3C3, G3C4) achieved significant synergistic positive impacts on growth and yield traits. Aside (G4C2, G4C3, G4C4) actuated only significant positive impacts on growth and yield traits and quality, that warrant C2-4 overcoming significant impacts for G4. Overall, results strongly manifest G and /or C reliable strategy, in vivo to enhance main saffron stigmas yield, secondary metabolite (crocin, pircorcrocin, Safronal) and antioxidant activity for saffron plants.

Effects of gibberellic acid and naphthalene acetic acid on saffron plant (Crocus sativus L.) under field conditions

Effects of gibberellic acid and naphthalene acetic acid on saffron plant (Crocus sativus L.) under field conditions