This document summarizes research on the plant saffron (Crocus sativus Linn.). It notes that saffron is the most expensive spice in the world and has many uses as a cosmetic, food additive and medicine. Culturally, saffron holds significance for Hindus and Muslims. Scientifically, saffron has properties that are anti-bacterial, anti-tumor, and beneficial for conditions like indigestion, eye health, and heart disease. The document lists compounds in saffron that increase its anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects in the body. In closing, the director thanks the audience for their time.

1. Research account
of
S A F F R O N
(Crocus sativus Linn.)

2. Presented by
Dr. Sudhakar Kokate
Director PPRC, India

3. PPRC/INDIA 01

4. PPRC/INDIA 02

5. Family: Iridaceae
 Most commercially important plants in the
world
 Used as cosmetics, food, medicine
 Most expensive food spices and condiments
 Ancient books describe uses and medicinal
value
PPRC/INDIA 03

6.  Quality and grades of saffron have great
values in different uses
 Hindus consider saffron as an item of
reverence
 Muslim priests prepare ‘n’ ink from it for
sacred writings
 In Talisman it is used for welfare purpose
 Sign of blessings of benefaction
PPRC/INDIA 04

7. Uses
1. As a sensuous perfume
2. Histological stain as a dye for connective
tissue
3. As a dye to colour cheese, pudding
4. Gives stimulation of appetite
PPRC/INDIA 05

8. Uses
5. To flavour and colour meat, chicken, rice,
liquors, milk kheer, fruit salads, fine breads,
soups, ginger bread, milk product, shrikhand,
alcohol and beverages
PPRC/INDIA 06

9. Scientific perspective
• Anti-bacterial
• Astringent
• Diuretic
• Refrigerant
PPRC/INDIA 07
• Anti-histeric
• Stomachic
• Anti-septic
• Spasmodic

10. Scientific perspective
• Nerve sedative
• Carminative
• Diaphoretic
• Anti-tumour
PPRC/INDIA 08
• Anti-cancerous
• Aphrodisiac
• Metabolism
stimulant

11. Healing power
PPRC/INDIA 09
1. Indigestion
2. Improves eye-sight
3. Menstrual disorders
4. Kidney, urinary bladder disorders
5. Strengthens heart

12. Healing power
PPRC/INDIA 10
6. Diabetes
7. Cardiac vascular diseases
8. Safe abortifacient
9. Inhibit growth of human tumour cells

13. Healing power
PPRC/INDIA 11
10. A growing body of evidence indicate that
carotenoids possess anti-carcinogenic, anti-
mutagenic and immuno-modulatory effects
11. It has been found to be the richest source of
riboflavin

14. Healing power
PPRC/INDIA 12
12. Reduces cholesterol level in blood and
severity of atherosclerosis thus reducing the
chances of heart attack
13. ‘Crocetin’ present in saffron is found to
increase the yield of antibiotics

15. Compounds present
PPRC/INDIA 13
1. 3,5,5-tri-methyl 2-hydroxy1,4-cyclohexdion-
2-ene
2. 2,4,4-tri-methl-1,3-formyl-6-hydroxy-2,5
cyclohexdion-1-ene
Increases anti-bacterial and anti-viral
physiological activity of the body

16. Thank You!!