An overview of analytical methods employed for quality assessment of Crocus sativus (saffron)

• DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2023.100992
• Publication Date: 2023-11-14T21:52:36Z
• Authors: Samira Eghbali; Faegheh Farhadi; Vahid Reza Askari
• Keywords: Crocus; Iridaceae; Quality Assessment

This paper reviews qualitative and quantitative analytical methodologies used for the appraisal of saffron quality, as most expensive spice. Due to chemical diversity biologically active compounds Crocus genus, methods with different features are required their complete analysis. However, screening main components, such carotenoids flavonoids, appears be sufficient quality control, a more precise examination needs evaluation minor compounds, including anthocyanins fatty acids. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), thin-layer (TLC), elementary applicable in control analysis, whereas HPLC provides metabolite fingerprint monitoring multi-compound instances at preparative levels. Combination approaches like metabolomics using could classify types, identify its adulterations, contaminants provide comprehensive map selected compounds.