Saffron, A Functional Spice

Saffron, the dehydrated red stigmas of the flower of the plant Crocus sativus L., comprises the most expensive spice in the world. It is mainly used as a spice highly valued for its coloring power, bitter taste and unique aroma attributed primarily to crocins, picrocrocin and safranal, respectively. Apart from its known applications in the food industry, a number of pharmacological actions have been assigned to saffron and its constituents. Expansion of the use of natural products in the prevention of chronic diseases or cancer as well as the interest in functional foods is expected to attract the attention of consumers to include saffron in everyday diet. Only authentic high quality saffron exerts beneficial health effects.