Saffron / Kesar (Crocus sativus L.)

Saffron / Kesar (Crocus sativus L.) is a perennial herbaceous plant known for producing the most expensive spice in the world—derived from the dried stigmas of its flowers. Belonging to the Iridaceae family, saffron has been cultivated for centuries, particularly in regions such as Iran, India (Kashmir), Greece, and Spain. Renowned in traditional medicine systems including Ayurveda, Unani, and Traditional Persian Medicine, saffron is celebrated for its applications in treating depression, inflammation, asthma, skin diseases, and as an aphrodisiac.

Saffron Scientific Names

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Iridaceae
Genus: Crocus
Species: Crocus sativus L.

Saffron Common Names

English: Saffron
Sanskrit: Kumkuma
Hindi: Kesar
Tamil: Kungumapoo
Telugu: Kumkuma puvvu
Bengali: Jafran
Marathi: Keshar
Arabic: Zafaran
Persian: Zaferan

Saffron Uses

Nervous System and Mental Health - Acts as a natural antidepressant, anxiolytic, and memory enhancer, Used to treat mild to moderate depression and improve mood.

Reproductive and Sexual Health - Traditionally used to enhance libido, treat erectile dysfunction, and menstrual disorders.

Skin and Beauty - Used in Ayurvedic formulations for improving skin complexion and treating acne and blemishes.

Respiratory Disorders - Helpful in managing asthma and bronchitis due to its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activity - Contains powerful antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation.

Ocular Health - Traditionally believed to improve vision and manage retinal degeneration.

Phytochemical Constituents

Harde contains several bioactive compounds:

Tannins (Chebulagic acid, Chebulinic acid) – Astringent and antioxidant
Gallic acid – Antimicrobial and hepatoprotective
Ellagic acid – Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
Flavonoids and Saponins – Rejuvenative and adaptogenic properties
Anthraquinones – Mild laxative effects

References

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part-I, Volume IV, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India.

Sharma, P. V. (2003). Dravyaguna Vigyan, Vol. 2. Chaukhambha Bharati Academy.

Kirtikar, K. R., & Basu, B. D. (2008). Indian Medicinal Plants, Volume III. International Book Distributors.

Singh, R., et al. (2011). "Antibacterial activity of Terminalia chebula Retz. extract against dental caries microorganisms." Journal of Dental Research and Review, 3(2), 90–93.

Saleem, A., et al. (2002). "Antioxidant potential of Terminalia chebula fruit extracts in comparison with ascorbic acid." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 79(3), 327–329.

Nadkarni, K. M. (2009). Indian Materia Medica, Vol. I. Bombay Popular Prakashan.