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.
Keywords:
saffron, medicinal herb, unani system of medicine, crocetin, safranal, emmenagogue
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References
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30. Srivastava R, Ahmed H, Dixit RK, Saraf SA. Crocus sativus L.: a comprehensive review. Pharmacognosy reviews. 2010 Jul; 4 (8):200. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.70919 PMid:22228962 PMCid:PMC3249922
31. Youngken HW. Natural Drugs Morphologic and Taxonomic Consideration-2nd edn; Biotech Books Delhi 2007;123-26
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33. Lindley J. Flora Medica, a botanical account of all the more important plants used in medicine; Ajay book service Delhi India; 575-76
34. Razi Z, Alhawi, Reham aur hamal kai amraz; CCRIUM, H&FW GOI New Delhi, Vol 9, 2000;31
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36. Majoosi A, Kamil-e-sana; (urdu trans.), Idara kitab-us-shifa ND, 2010; 486-487
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38. Wani BA, Hamza AK, Mohiddin FA. Saffron: A repository of medicinal properties. J Med Plant Res. 2011 Jun 4; 5(11):2131-5.
39. Rani ML, Indumathy V, Vinodhini M, Krishnaaveni D, Reena J, Sudarvizhi M, Rajarajeswari S. Therapeutic value of selected traditional flowers-a review. Journal of Pharmaceutical Negative Results. 2022 Dec 31:6496-511.
40. Abdullaev FI, Espinosa-Aguirre JJ. Biomedical properties of saffron and its potential use in cancer therapy and chemoprevention trials. Cancer Detection and prevention. 2004 Jan 1; 28(6):426-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cdp.2004.09.002 PMid:15582266
41. Usmani M; Tanqeeh-ul-mufaridat, Famous offset press Delhi, Nov.2008;139
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45. Hussain SA, Afzalul mufridat, vol.1; 2021, Idara kitab-ul-shifa ND; 57-60
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48. Gaamoune Sofiane a, Nouioua Wafa b & Djaout Ouardac Antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities development of menthol extract of saffron (crocus sativus L.) flowers wastes 2019.13.-2
49. Ghaffari S, Roshanravan N. Saffron; An updated review on biological properties with special focus on cardiovascular effects. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2019 Jan 1; 109: 21-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2018.10.031 PMid:30391705
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51. Boskabady MH, Gholamnezhad Z, Ghorani V, Saadat S. The effect of crocus sativus (saffron) on the respiratory system: traditional and experimental evidence. Science. 2019; 1:28-52. https://doi.org/10.2174/9781681087511119010004
52. Kashani L, Heidari M, Akhondzadeh S. Herbal Medicine for Treating Hot Flashes. فصلنامه علمی پژوهشی گیاهان دارویی. 2014 Sep 10;13(51):1-5.
53. Pirdadeh Beiranvanda S, Shams Beiranvandb N, Behboodi Moghadamc Z, Birjandi M, Azhari S, Rezaei E, Salehnia AN, Beiranvand S. The effect of Crocus sativus (saffron) on the severity of premenstrual syndrome. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 2015(420):1-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2015.06.003
54. Jackson PA, Forster J, Khan J, Pouchieu C, Dubreuil S, Gaudout D, Moras B, Pourtau L, Joffre F, Vaysse C, Bertrand K. Effects of saffron extract supplementation on mood, well-being, and response to a psychosocial stressor in healthy adults: A randomized, double-blind, parallel group, clinical trial. Frontiers in nutrition. 2021:365. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2020.606124 PMid:33598475 PMCid:PMC7882499
55. Tahereh F, Saeed S. The effect of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and its ingredients on the management of diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia. African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 2014 May 29;8(20):541-9. https://doi.org/10.5897/AJPPX2013.0006
2. Farhan S, Shamsi S, Alam MT, Perveen A. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.): A Review of its Ethnopharmacological value; 41-58 https://doi.org/10.46624/ajptr.2020.v10.i4.005
3. Hassan-Beygi SR. Some physical properties of saffron crocus corm; 17-29
4. Standardization of single drugs of unani medicine, CCRIUM Department of Ayush; MOHFW, New Delhi part- IV, 1st edition 2006: 234-235
5. Kabeer-u-din M, Makhzan-ul-mufridaat (kitab-ul-Advia), Idara kitab-us-shifa, New Delhi (ND), 2010; 239-241
6. Nandkarni KM, Indian Matria Medica, Popular Prakashan, Vol. one; 389-391
7. Tariq NA, Taj-ul-mufridat, Idara kitab-us-shifa, New Delhi; 594-596
8. Farrokhi H, Asgharzadeh A, Samadi MK. Yield and qualitative and biochemical characteristics of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) cultivated in different soil, water, and climate conditions. Italian Journal of Agrometeorology, 2021 Dec; 27(2):43-55. https://doi.org/10.36253/ijam-1216
9. Kabeer-u-din M. Makhzan-ul-mufridaat (Khas-ul-Advia), Ejaz publishing house; 317-318
10. Rampuri NG, Khazayinul advia, vol 1-4, Idara kitab-us-shifa ND; 761-763
11. Azam M, Muheet-e-Azam, Urdu translation; CCRUM, New Delhi CCRIUM department of Ayush, MOHFW New Delhi. vol. II; 2013; 776
12. Douglas H. Online etymology dictionary. http://www. etymonline. Com/. 2012.
13. Kafi M, editor. Saffron (Crocus sativus): production and processing. Science Publishers; 2006 Jan 4. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781482280463
14. Khavari A, Behdani MA, Zamani GR, Mahmoodi S. Effects of planting methods and corm weight on corm and flower yield of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in Qaenat region. Journal of saffron research. 2016 Sep 21;4(1):120-33.
15. Seyedeh Zeinab M, Seyedeh Zahra B. Historical uses of saffron: identifying potential new avenues for modern research
16. Srivastava TN, Rajasekharan S, Badola DP, Shah DC. Important medicinal plants of Jammu and Kashmir I. Kesar (saffron). Ancient science of life. 1985 Jul; 5(1):68.
17. Gresta F, Lombardo GM, Siracusa L, Ruberto G. Saffron, an alternative crop for sustainable agricultural systems: a review. Sustainable agriculture. 2009:355-76. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-2666-8_23
18. Ahmed N, Anwar S, Al-Sokari SS, Ansari SY, Wagih ME. Saffron crocus (Crocus sativus) oils. In Essential oils in food preservation, flavor and safety Academic Press 2016 Jan 1; 705-713 https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-416641-7.00080-8
19. Mall TP, Tripathi SC. Saffron-a Treasure of the Ancient Medicine Chest-an Overview. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 2017 Feb 16; 6(4):1604-23. https://doi.org/10.20959/wjpr20174-8285
20. Abdul Hakeem HM, Bustan-ul- mufridat, Idara kitab-us-shifa Dehli;316,317
21. Alundlusi ZA, Al- Jam-ul-Mufridat- al-Advia-wa-agzia, [Urdu Trans.] CCRIUM, ministry of health and family welfare Govt. of India New Delhi; 339-342
22. Prajapati ND, Kumar U. Agro's Dictionary of Medicinal Plants, Agrobbios India. 2003; 95-96
23. Chopra RN, Nayar SL, Chopra IC, Glossory of Indian Medicinal plants, National INS. Of science communication & information resources ND India; 2002; 80-81
24. Prajapati ND, Sharma AK, Kumar T. A hand book of medicinal plants, Agrobios India, 2003;174
25. Kumar R, Singh V, Devi K, Sharma M, Singh MK, Ahuja PS. State of art of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) agronomy: A comprehensive review. Food Reviews International. 2008 Dec 22;25(1):44-85 https://doi.org/10.1080/87559120802458503
26. Khorasany AR, Hosseinzadeh H. Therapeutic effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in digestive disorders: a review. Iranian journal of basic medical sciences. 2016 May; 19 (5):455.
27. The wealth of India, a dictionary of Indian, A dictionary of Indian raw materials and industrial products VOL 2, national institute of science communication and information resources, council of scientific & industrial research ND; 239-242
28. Chatterji A, Pakrashi SC, The Treatise of Indian Medicinal Plants Volume 6; 135-37
29. Anjum N, Pal A, Tripathi YC. Phytochemistry and pharmacology of saffron, the most precious natural source of colour, flavour and medicine. SMU Med J. 2015; 2:335-47.
30. Srivastava R, Ahmed H, Dixit RK, Saraf SA. Crocus sativus L.: a comprehensive review. Pharmacognosy reviews. 2010 Jul; 4 (8):200. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.70919 PMid:22228962 PMCid:PMC3249922
31. Youngken HW. Natural Drugs Morphologic and Taxonomic Consideration-2nd edn; Biotech Books Delhi 2007;123-26
32. Saif-u-din Ali HS. Unani Advia Mufrida, national council for urdu language ministry of human resources development Govt. of India ND; 174-75
33. Lindley J. Flora Medica, a botanical account of all the more important plants used in medicine; Ajay book service Delhi India; 575-76
34. Razi Z, Alhawi, Reham aur hamal kai amraz; CCRIUM, H&FW GOI New Delhi, Vol 9, 2000;31
35. Nadkarni KM, INDIAN PLANTS AND DRUGS with their Medical Properties and Uses; Srishti book distributers ND, 2004;123-24
36. Majoosi A, Kamil-e-sana; (urdu trans.), Idara kitab-us-shifa ND, 2010; 486-487
37. Khare C P(Ed), Indian medicinal plants, An illustrated dictionary. Springer (India pvt. limited), regstrd. office 906-907 barakhamba road. New Delhi India, 2007; 178-179. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-70638-2 PMCid:PMC2705749
38. Wani BA, Hamza AK, Mohiddin FA. Saffron: A repository of medicinal properties. J Med Plant Res. 2011 Jun 4; 5(11):2131-5.
39. Rani ML, Indumathy V, Vinodhini M, Krishnaaveni D, Reena J, Sudarvizhi M, Rajarajeswari S. Therapeutic value of selected traditional flowers-a review. Journal of Pharmaceutical Negative Results. 2022 Dec 31:6496-511.
40. Abdullaev FI, Espinosa-Aguirre JJ. Biomedical properties of saffron and its potential use in cancer therapy and chemoprevention trials. Cancer Detection and prevention. 2004 Jan 1; 28(6):426-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cdp.2004.09.002 PMid:15582266
41. Usmani M; Tanqeeh-ul-mufaridat, Famous offset press Delhi, Nov.2008;139
42. Wadud A. Text book of single drugs, IST. edition 2021, Front line publishers Hyderabad India; 442-43
43. James A. Duke with Mary Jo Bogenschutz-Godwin Judi du Cellier Peggy-Ann K. Duke. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, SECOND EDITION, CRC Press Boca Raton London New York Washington, D.C. 2002;640-41
44. José Bagur M, Alonso Salinas GL, Jiménez-Monreal AM, Chaouqi S, Llorens S, Martínez-Tomé M, Alonso GL. Saffron: An old medicinal plant and a potential novel functional food. Molecules. 2017 Dec 23; 23(1):30. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23010030 PMid:29295497 PMCid:PMC5943931
45. Hussain SA, Afzalul mufridat, vol.1; 2021, Idara kitab-ul-shifa ND; 57-60
46. Khazdair MR, Gholamnezhad Z, Rezaee R, Boskabady MH. A qualitative and quantitative comparison of Crocus sativus and Nigella sativa immunomodulatory effects. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy.Aug2021, 1; 140:111774. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111774 PMid:34062409
47. Bu Ali sena SR, AL Qanoon fi Tib, (urdu trans), Idra kitab ul shifa ND vol. 1, 2021; 333-334
48. Gaamoune Sofiane a, Nouioua Wafa b & Djaout Ouardac Antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities development of menthol extract of saffron (crocus sativus L.) flowers wastes 2019.13.-2
49. Ghaffari S, Roshanravan N. Saffron; An updated review on biological properties with special focus on cardiovascular effects. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2019 Jan 1; 109: 21-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2018.10.031 PMid:30391705
50. Zeka K, Marrazzo P, Micucci M, Ruparelia KC, Arroo RR, Macchiarelli G, Annarita Nottola S, Continenza MA, Chiarini A, Angeloni C, Hrelia S. Activity of antioxidants from Crocus sativus L. petals: Potential preventive effects towards cardiovascular system. Antioxidants. 2020 Nov 9; 9(11):1102. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9111102 PMid:33182461 PMCid:PMC7697793
51. Boskabady MH, Gholamnezhad Z, Ghorani V, Saadat S. The effect of crocus sativus (saffron) on the respiratory system: traditional and experimental evidence. Science. 2019; 1:28-52. https://doi.org/10.2174/9781681087511119010004
52. Kashani L, Heidari M, Akhondzadeh S. Herbal Medicine for Treating Hot Flashes. فصلنامه علمی پژوهشی گیاهان دارویی. 2014 Sep 10;13(51):1-5.
53. Pirdadeh Beiranvanda S, Shams Beiranvandb N, Behboodi Moghadamc Z, Birjandi M, Azhari S, Rezaei E, Salehnia AN, Beiranvand S. The effect of Crocus sativus (saffron) on the severity of premenstrual syndrome. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 2015(420):1-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2015.06.003
54. Jackson PA, Forster J, Khan J, Pouchieu C, Dubreuil S, Gaudout D, Moras B, Pourtau L, Joffre F, Vaysse C, Bertrand K. Effects of saffron extract supplementation on mood, well-being, and response to a psychosocial stressor in healthy adults: A randomized, double-blind, parallel group, clinical trial. Frontiers in nutrition. 2021:365. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2020.606124 PMid:33598475 PMCid:PMC7882499
55. Tahereh F, Saeed S. The effect of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and its ingredients on the management of diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia. African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 2014 May 29;8(20):541-9. https://doi.org/10.5897/AJPPX2013.0006
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Wani G, Naaz A, Begum W, Fathima S. Unani perspective of Saffron (Crocus sativus Linn.) beyond a spice. JDDT [Internet]. 15Mar.2024 [cited 20May2024];14(3):147-53. Available from: https://jddtonline.info/index.php/jddt/article/view/6466
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