An Introduction to "Red gold" saffron

Saffron(scientific name: Crocus sativus L.) is a famous and precious traditional Chinese medicine. The main medicinal part is a small stigma, so it is very precious. The flower contains carotenoids, mainly saffron, dimethyl saffron acid, saffron picroside and volatile oil, and the oil is mainly saffron aldehyde. As a medicine in Asia and Europe, it has the functions of sedation, expectorant and antispasmodic,which is used for the treatment of stomach diseases, menstruation, measles, fever, yellow bile, hepatosplenomegaly, etc.

Saffron is originated in Iran, Greece, Asia Minor and other places. Later, it was introduced into Tibet through India and then into the mainland of China. People mistakenly think it is produced in Tibet, so it is called "saffron". Alexander the great used it as a shampoo, Cleopatra bathed in its fragrant soup, and now it is one of the most expensive spices in the world, known as "red gold"

According to statistics, every 1kg stigma needs 15000 flowers, and 1kg saffron extract can be produced from 2-3kg stigma. Studies have shown that saffron extract can inhibit the reuptaking of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. At the same time, women exposed to saffron odor can significantly reduce cortisol levels, and stimulating 17% in follicular phase and luteal phase in a short time- β- Estradiol level ,which can be used to alleviate sleep disorders and female premenstrual syndrome.

The field of medicine and health care products is the largest market segment of saffron products, with a demand scale of 300 million in 2020. In European and American countries, besides being a high-end spice, saffron is widely used as a dietary supplement and is mostly used in products related to emotional relief, anti anxiety and women's physical health.