1H-NMR Metabolic Profiling and Antioxidant Activity of Saffron (Crocus sativus) Cultivated in Lebanon

Abstract

Despite the beneficial health properties shown by Lebanese saffron, its qualitative and quantitative composition has never been investigated before. In the present study, NMR spectroscopy, together with antioxidant activity assays, were applied to evaluate the chemical composition of saffron samples of different geographical origins (Lebanon, Italy, Iran, and India) and to categorize the Lebanese saffron for the first time. The distinction between Lebanese saffron and that produced in other countries was attributed to its higher linolenic and linoleic fatty acids, glucose and picrocrocin contents. Moreover, spices produced in three different regions of the Lebanese territory have been clearly differentiated. Saffron cultivated in the Qaa region displayed a high glucose, fatty acids and polyphenols content, whereas Hermel saffron exhibited the largest rate of picrocrocin and glycosylated carotenoids. Finally, samples from Baalbeck showed lower rates for the majority of metabolites. Moreover, Lebanese saffron showed a high antioxidant activity in ABTS and DPPH assays. A low dose of saffron extract (10 µg/mL) inhibited the growth of human lung adenocarcinoma cells, probably due to the high polyphenolic content. This study highlights the quality and peculiarity of Lebanese saffron cultivated in Northern Beqaa district and allows for a good discrimination between spices produced in relatively close territory.

Aromatic potential, quality and antioxidant activity of saffron grown in Morocco

“…The decreasing order of DPPH scavenging capacity is ES4 > ES6 > ES10 > ES5 > ES2 > ES7 > ES9 > ES8 > ES1 > ES3. These results are lower than others showed by Samaha et al 29 studying the Lebanese saffron (42.3%‐59.9%). Several studies reported that antioxidant activity of saffron stigmas is less than other parts of the plant 25…”

“…29 studying the Lebanese saffron (42.3%-59.9%). Several studies reported that antioxidant activity of saffron stigmas is less than other parts of the plant 25.…”

Changes of Crocin and Other Crocetin Glycosides in Saffron Through Cooking Models, and Discovery of Rare Crocetin Glycosides in the Yellow Flowers of Freesia Hybrida

“…Six apocarotenoids corresponding to peaks 1 – 4 and peaks 5 , 6 were isolated from saffron and the grilled saffron, respectively, by the methods described in Material and methods, and subjected to HR-ESI-MS, 1 H and 13 C NMR analyses. The results, 1 – 6 were identified as crocin ( 2 ), tricrocin ( 18 ), crocin-3 ( 18 ), crocetindial ( 19 ), crocetin ( 20 ), and 13- cis crocetin ( 21 ), respectively (their 1 H and 13 C NMR spectra of 1 – 6 are shown in Supplementary Figures S1–S12 ). The chemical structures of 1 – 6 are exhibited in Figure 5 .…”

Saffron Extract Attenuates Anxiogenic Effect and Improves Cognitive Behavior in an Adult Zebrafish Model of Traumatic Brain Injury

“…People commonly used saffron for depression, anxiety, Alzheimer disease, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), cancer, heart disease and other conditions [ 47 , 48 , 49 ]. Lebanese saffron is characterized by its high quality and its chemical composition containing large amounts of polyphenolics that confers it high anti-oxidant activity and anti-proliferative abilities [ 50 , 51 ]. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Lebanese saffron supplementation on behavioral outcomes in an adult zebrafish model of open-head injury.…”