Flavonoid Composition and Antibacterial Properties of Crocus sativus L. Petal Extracts

Abstract

Saffron petals, which are the main by-products of Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae family), are produced in large quantities and are known for their many beneficial properties. In this regard, this study aims to investigate the phenolic composition and antibacterial properties of hydroethanolic extracts from Crocus sativus L. petals collected from Serghina (province of Boulmane) in Morocco. The phenolic profiles were characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a photodiode array and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA-ESI/MS). The antibacterial potential was evaluated against four bacterial strains potentially causing food-borne disease (Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes) using disc diffusion and broth micro-dilution assays. Results showed that a total of 27 phenolic compounds was detected in the Crocus sativus L. petal extracts, which were assigned to flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin, and myricetin derivatives). The most abundant compound was represented by kaempferol-sophoroside isomer (20.82 mg/g ± 0.152), followed by kaempferol-sophoroside-hexoside (2.63 mg/g ± 0.001). The hydroethanolic extracts of Crocus sativus L. petals demonstrated bactericidal effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocetogenes and bacteriostatic effects against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. Therefore, the by-product Crocus sativus L. petal extracts might be considered as valuable sources of natural antibacterial agents with potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Stigmas and Petals of Crocus sativus L. (Taliouine, Morocco): Comparative Evaluation of Their Phenolic Compounds, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Activities

“…Let uss recall that Crocus sativus L. possesses various phytochemical properties that have been linked to its antibacterial activity; this activity has been attributed to the presence of compounds such as safranal and crocin [ 55 – 57 ], as well as flavonoids such as kaempferol, quercetin, and an isorhamnetin derivative [ 58 ]. These compounds are volatile or water-soluble, enabling them to easily reach contaminating microorganisms and contribute to their destruction [ 59 ].…”

In Vitro Synergistic Inhibitory Effects of Plant Extract Combinations on Bacterial Growth of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

“…The MBC/MIC ratio determines whether a drug is bactericidal or bacteriostatic. If the MBC/MIC ratio is ≤4, the effect is considered bactericidal, but if the MBC/MIC ratio is >4, the effect is defined as bacteriostatic [59]. The MBC/MIC ratio is shown in Figure 3c.…”

Therapeutic potential of flavonoids used in traditional Chinese medicine – a comparative study of galangin, kaempferol, chrysin and fisetin

“…Antibacterial activities of kaempferol against A. baumannii, Bacillus spp., K. pneumoniae, Mycobacterial spp., Staphylococcus spp., Enterococci, Vibrio cholera were investigated by Periferakis et al [85]. The main mechanisms of action are proposed to be the cell membrane disruption, activation of apoptosis, fragmentation of DNA in bacteria cells [85,86]. Drug resistance plays a pivotal role in treatment of bacterial infection.…”