Saffron in Herbalist: Properties of Saffron

Scientific name

Crocus sativus

Family

Iridaceae

Origin

Asia Minor

Synonyms

Parts Used

Drug consisting of stigmas

Chemical constituents

• Glycosides: crocin, picrocrocin;
• Essential oil;
• Dyes;
• Carotenoids;
• Lycopene.

Saffron in Herbalist: Properties of Saffron

Saffron is a drug widely used in gastronomy as a dye (see recipes with saffron), but it also has interesting therapeutic properties. In fact, saffron has long been known in folk medicine as an eupeptic, sedative and antispasmodic; however, due to its high toxicity at high doses, its use is limited to cooking.