Crocus Sativus Linn: An Informative Review

Saffron, Crocus Sativus L. is a perennial bulbous herb. The plant has been priced since antiquity for its yelloworange coloured tripartite stigmas that constitute the Saffron. Also known as saffron crocus, the odour of saffron is described as like the "sea" air. Crocus (Family: Iridacae) is an important genus consisting of 80 species. The reported life zone of Crocus in the world extends through 30-45˚ N latitude and 0˚ to 90˚ E longitude (usual temperature 4 to 23˚ Celsius), with an annual precipitation of 0.1 to 1.1 meter and a soil pH of 5.8 to 7.8. The crop grows best in well-drained soils of medium fertility. Principally saffron grown in Spain, India, Turkey, Greece, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, Switzerland, Turkey, Persia and the People's Republic of China. Crocus Sativus L. is famous for its diversified pharmacological activities. Almost all the parts of this plant (stigma, stamen, petals, sepals, style, and corm) were evaluated by the researches. The present review will be focused on the detailed literature survey on Crocus Sativus L. The species was extensively studied with the view of its pharmacological importance.