[Research progress of chemical components and pharmacological effects of non-medicinal parts of Crocus sativus]

The dried stigma of Crocus sativus (saffron) is a worlds precious spice and traditional medicine possessing plenty of pharmacological effects. Because the stigma represents only 7.4% of total weight of the fresh flower, when the stigma is separated from the flowers, large quantities of floral bio-residues are discarded. Accordingly, the utilization of the non-medicinal parts of saffron has drawn peoples attention. Studies showed that the non-medicinal parts of saffron were rich in flavonoids, phenolic acids, polysaccharides, et al. They were proved to have some pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant activity, antifungal activity, cytotoxicity, anti-inflammation and liver protection. The paper is to review the current research progress on the chemical components and pharmacological effects of the non-medicinal parts of saffron, which can serve as a reference for the further research and development of non-medicinal parts of saffron.