Micropropagation and potential of bioactive compounds of  saffron (Crocus sativus L.) for nutrition and health

Chaimae SLIMANI; Younes  EL GOUMI; Chaimae RAIS; Lahsen  EL GHADRAOUI; Meryem  BENJELLOUN; Abderrahim  LAZRAQ

doi:10.55779/nsb14311278

Authors

Chaimae SLIMANI Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Sciences and Technologies Faculty, Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Fez; National Agency of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Laboratory of Botany, P.O. Box 159, Taounate, 34025 (MA)
Younes EL GOUMI Polyvalent Team R&D, Higher School of Technology of Fkih Ben Salah University of Sultan Moulay Slimane Beni Mellal (MA)
Chaimae RAIS National Agency of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Laboratory of Botany, P.O. Box 159, Taounate, 34025 (MA)
Lahsen EL GHADRAOUI Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Sciences and Technologies Faculty, Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Fez (MA)
Meryem BENJELLOUN Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Sciences and Technologies Faculty, Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Fez (MA)
Abderrahim LAZRAQ Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Sciences and Technologies Faculty, Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Fez (MA)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55779/nsb14311278

Keywords:

biological activities, chemical compounds, Crocus sativus, in-vitro culture

Abstract

To inquire about the possibility of durable valorization of saffron, this review highlights the different techniques of in vitro culture and varietal creation of this specie. Then, a reveal main component of saffron with some pharmacological activities that make this product a serious therapeutic hope. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a sterile triploid geophyte that propagated by corms. To respond to the increasing global demand for saffron, it is necessary to expand the area under cultivation. Thus, in vitro techniques can produce a large quantity of propagating material in reduced time. It is well-known that saffron is traditionally used as a coloring or flavoring agent, but recent research showed its potential for health promotion. The interest components include crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin, and safranal have all demonstrated a wide range of use in medical field. Previous studies have reported that biological activities of saffron alleviates or prevents health problems such as stomach upset, cardiovascular disease, and depression. In addition, saffron is also promising in cancer prevention due to its antioxidant properties.

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