Crocus sativus Iridaceae

Crocetin (C20) is a yellow (IP)2—(PI)2-derived dicarboxylic, acid (generalized structure -OOG-Gig-GOO-) from the styles of Crocus sativus (Iridaceae) (the saffron of Indian cooking and Buddhist robes). Grocin, the digentiobiose ester of crocetin, is water soluble, unlike other carotenoids which are lipophilic (fat soluble). Crocetin is a protein kinase inhibitor. Excess vitamin A (or excess pro-vitamin A) ingestion is toxic (dog liver consumption having caused the death of Sir Douglas Mawson s explorer companions in the Antarctic by this mechanism). 

Saffron (from Arabic zafaran=to be yellow). The dried, aromatic-smelling flowerheads of the saffron plant Crocus sativus, Iridaceae), indigenous to southern Europe, which contain the yellow pigment crocin (see crocetin) and the bitter principle picrocrocin (saffron bitter, see safranal). Characteristic flavor com-... 

C,oH,40, Mr 150.22, bp. 72 C (4 hPa). A monocyclic monoterpene aldehyde. S. is the odor principle of saffron and is formed from the bitter saffron gluco-side picrocrocin [CisHjjO, Mr 330.38, mp. 156°C, [a]g -58° (H2O)]. S. acts as an androtermone, i.e., the substance determining the male gender of the green alga Chlamydomonas eugametus. S. occurs in saffron oil (Crocus sativus, Iridaceae) and is prepared from, e.g., citral. ... 

Saffron Crocus sativus Iridaceae Mediterranean region. 

The ahcycHc monoterpenic aldehyde safranal has a different biochemical origin, and is the main characteristic odorous component of saffron Crocus sativus, Iridaceae). Safranal is classified as a degraded carotenoid (apocarotenoid) as it is produced from zeaxanthin via hydrolysis of the bitter intermediate picrocrocin. Degradation of carotenoids produces a number of other aromatic compounds (see Section 9.9.5.2). A list of the names of major terpenoid aldehydes is shown in Table 8.11. 

Saffron. Saffron spice is the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae), a bulbous perennial native to southern Europe and Asia Minor and cultivated in the Mediterranean countries, particularly Spain. Tme saffron should not be confused with either meadow saffron, ie, Colchicum autumnale L. (Lihaceae) also called safflower, or bastard saffron, ie, Carthamus tinctorius L. (Compositae), both of which are occasionally used to adulterate tme saffron. 

Sophoroside Crocus sativus stamens (saffron) Iridaceae 181... 

Rhamnosyl(l 2)glucoside (crosatoside A) Crocus sativus pollen Iridaceae 383... 

Saffron (Crocus sativus L. Iridaceae) finds use in medicine as well as a flavoring and coloring agent. It has three main chemical compounds. The bright red coloring carotenoids a bitter taste, picrocrocin and a spicy... 

Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae) is cultivated for its red stigmatic lobes that constitute saffron. This plant blooms only once a year and the manual harvest of stigmas should be performed within a very short time. The manual cultivation methods practiced with saffron contribute greatly to its high price. Furthermore, weather conditions affect the quality of saffron. 

Saffron proteoglycan Crocus sativus (saffron) (Iridaceae)... 

Saffron. Crocus Spanish saffron French saffron. Stigmas of Crocus sativus L., Iridaceae. Habit. Western Asia, Southern Europe. Constit. About 1% volatile oil, pi -crocrocin—a bitter glucoside, croctn (polychroit), fixed oil, wax. 

Glucopyranosyloxy)-2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclo-hexene-1-carboxddehyde Picrocrocin. From the stigmas of Crocus Sativus L. Iridaceae. Important in growth control of the plant. Crystals mp = 164-156° lajS t -58° (c = 0.6) soluble in H2O, EtOH, less soluble in organic solvents. 

Crocus sativus L (Family Iridaceae) a perennial herb, native to the Eastern Mediterranean region, is cultivated in Spain, France, Greece, Italy, India, Turkey, Iran, e.t.c. Saffron-the yellow-orange stigmas from a small purple Crocus sativus flower- is the world s most expensive spice. 

Crodn (gardenin). Formula, see under crocetin. 4411 4024, Mr 976.98, brown-red needles, mp. 180-190°C (decomp.), soluble in hot water, poorly soluble in organic solvents, uv 464, 434 nm (CHjOH). C. is the di-j8-gentiobiosyl ester of a- cro-cetin and occurs in Crocus (Iridaceae) and Gardenia (Rubiaceae) species and as the colored principle in saffron (Crocus sativus, content 24-27%). 

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