Properties of Saffron Petals

Antibacterial Food poisoning occurs through the consumption of contaminated food, toxic plants, mushrooms, or animal products, as well as the entry of bacteria into the body. However, the use of antibacterial agents can be effective in preventing bacterial growth. Studies have shown that some natural products, such as essential oils, plants, and spices, have antimicrobial or antifungal properties, and can thus be used as antibacterial and antimicrobial agents. Saffron petals possess this property, and for this reason, they can help improve food poisoning. Antispasmodic effects Saffron petal extract reduced the electric field stimulation (EFS) induced contraction in laboratory mouse experiments. The petal extract decreases the EFS-induced contraction by inhibiting muscarinic receptors. (Muscarine, with the chemical formula C9H20NO2⁺, is a chemical compound with a CAS number of 9308.) Improvement of the respiratory system Saffron flowers are used to treat many bodily ailments and diseases, including conditions such as asthma, cough, and bronchitis. These diseases disrupt an individual’s breathing, causing issues like shortness of breath and wheezing. To address this, antioxidant substances such as saffron are essential. According to research, saffron stigma has antioxidant properties that are soothing and provide relaxation. Additionally, saffron enhances oxygen supply to the body, making it an ideal plant for individuals with respiratory insufficiencies. Immune system boost Most herbal medicines affect the immune system and its function in the body. The role of herbal medicines in modulating cytokine secretion, histamine release, immunoglobulin production, cellular receptors, lymphocyte activation, and phagocytosis has been reported in various studies. Saffron petals, at a dose of 75 milligrams, can stimulate the body’s immune system. Improvement of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) In a clinical study, women aged 20 to 45 who had experienced PMS symptoms for at least 6 months, consumed saffron petal twice a day (15 milligrams in the morning and 15 milligrams in the evening). The results of the study showed that consuming saffron petals was effective in improving premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Products made from saffron petals Food and industrial coloring One of the uses of saffron petals in industry is for making carpet dyes and clothing dyes that require natural colors. These petals are also used in the production of food coloring, which is very popular due to the properties and benefits of this plant. In recent years, due to the discovery of the harmful effects of synthetic and chemical dyes and the removal of many of them from production cycles, there has been a stronger effort to replace them with natural dyes.” In the past, during saffron harvest, only the stigma, which consists of three filaments in the flower, was used. After separating them, the other parts of the saffron flower were discarded as waste. However, today, after discovering the colorant properties of saffron petals, they are also used as a commercial product. When the extracted color is exposed to an acidic environment, it turns red, a discovery that was first made in Western countries. Annually, about ten thousand tons of saffron petals are produced as a by-product in Central and Southern Khorasan, indicating that their large volume makes them a suitable alternative to synthetic red dyes in the market. If the color is extracted properly, it can be used as a food coloring. Saffron petal extract Annually, over three hundred tons of dried saffron stigma and thirty thousand tons of fresh saffron flowers are produced in our country, with most of the time only the stigma, which includes the flower filaments, being used. According to recent research conducted in Torbat Heydarieh, they have succeeded in extracting the essence from saffron petals, which, like the petals themselves, has numerous medicinal and therapeutic properties. Interestingly, about seven liters of extract can be obtained from every kilogram of dried saffron petals. The benefits of saffron extract include its antidepressant effects, mood-lifting properties, improving blood circulation, enhancing memory, and preventing Alzheimer’s disease. Saffron petal tea  Saffron petal infusion has similar properties to the main saffron stigmas. You can place some of the petals in water and heat it indirectly to brew. The saffron tea has very high properties and has been popular among Iranians for its fragrant aroma, often enjoyed with honey and a bit of fresh lemon. This tea aids in better digestion. Saffron extract has also been shown in many cases to inhibit tumor growth. Properties of saffron tea –    Antidepressant, improves nerve function, and mood-lifting –    Improves liver disorders and deficiencies –    Helps reduce bleeding during menstruation –    Reduces pain during menstruation –    Cleanses the kidneys and bladder, and acts as a diuretic –    Improves digestive function and stimulates appetite –    Aids in digestion