Phytochemicals and Biological Activities of Flowers of Crocus sativus L. (Saffron)

Résumé fourni par la source

Saffron ( Crocus sativus L.) floral bioresidues, a by-product of stigma harvesting, represent over 90% of the total floral biomass and are typically discarded despite their rich phytochemical profile. This chapter explores the physicochemical characteristics and biofunctional properties of these residues, particularly tepals and stamens, which contain significant levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and other bioactive compounds. Investigations highlight their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities, along with substantial nutritional value including fibre, essential minerals, and unsaturated fatty acids. These findings support their potential applications across food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and bioenergy sectors. Emphasis is placed on their integration into sustainable models aligned with circular economy strategies. The chapter also addresses the need for optimized extraction methods, standardization of bioactive content, and safety validations to fully harness their value as functional ingredients in diverse industrial contexts.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.