Crocus sativus extract
Brief Introduction:
Saffron extract is a concentrate of active ingredients extracted from the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus, a plant of the Iris family, through a specific process. This plant is known for its preciousness, and its stigmas must be hand-picked and dried, so saffron is also called "Red Gold".
Characteristics of Raw Materials:
♔ Originated from Spain:
Extracted from the ancient mysterious saffron, produced using the world's patented pure water process, and has won multiple certifications, patents and international awards.
♔ 100% Saffron Source:
HPLC quantitative standardization of core ingredients, DNA fingerprinting to ensure 100% saffron source; with multiple high-quality human clinical trials, the efficacy is guaranteed.
♔ Low Dose & High Efficacy:
High bioavailability, low dose and high efficacy, can inhibit the activity of key enzymes in the kynurenine pathway, reduce the conversion of tryptophan to kynurenine, promote the synthesis of natural melatonin, and at the same time block the reuptake of inhibitory neurotransmitters, improve their transmission efficiency, and reduce the brain's stress response, thereby relieving emotional stress, improving anxiety, and improving sleep quality.
Main Active Ingredients:
☑ Crocin:
Gives the extract a bright golden color, and is a powerful antioxidant, has anti-inflammatory and antidepressant potential.
☑ Safranal:
A volatile oil component that contributes to a unique aroma. Studies have shown that it may improve nervous system function (such as anti-anxiety and relief of insomnia).
☑ Picrocrocin:
Produces a bitter taste and may regulate appetite and digestion.
☑ Others:
Flavonoids, vitamins (such as B group), minerals (magnesium, potassium), etc. synergistically enhance the efficacy.
Specifications of our Saffron Powdered Extract (2% Safranal, 3% Crocins):
| Test Items | Specifications | Test Methods | |
| Characteristics | Dark orange powder with characteristic odor and taste | Organoleptic | |
| Identification | Positive | HPLC-DAD / TLC | |
| Safranal | ＞2% | / | |
| Crocins | ＞3% | UNE-ISO 3632-2:2011 | |
| Picrocrocins | ＞6% | / | |
| Bulk Density | ＞0.3 g/mL | Eur. Pharm. (2.9.34) / USP <616> | |
| Ash | ＜10% | Eur. Pharm. (2.4.16) / USP 37<281> | |
| Loss on Drying | ＜8% | Eur. Pharm. (2.8.17) / USP 37<731> | |
| Particle Size | 240μm / 60 mesh | Eur. Pharm. (2.9.12) / USP 34<786> | |
| Microbiological Limits | TAMC | ＜10000 CFU/g | Eur. Pharm. (2.6.12 / 2.6.13 / 2.6.31) USP 37 <61 / 62> |
| TYMC | ＜100 CFU/g | ||
| Enterobacteria | ＜100 CFU/g | ||
| L. monocytogenes | Negative/25g | ||
| E. coli | Negative/g | ||
| S. aureus | Negative/g | ||
| Salmonella spp | Negative/25g | ||
| Heavy Metals | Lead (Pb) | ＜3.0 ppm | Eur. Pharm. (2.4.27) / USP <233> |
| Arsenic (As) | ＜1.0 ppm | ||
| Cadmium (Cd) | ＜1.0 ppm | ||
| Mercury (Hg) | ＜0.1 ppm | ||
| PAHs | BaP | ＜10 ppb | GC-MS/MS |
| Sum BaP, BaA, BbF, CHR | ＜50 ppb | ||
| Aflatoxins | B1 | ＜5 ppb | HPLC-MS |
| Sum B1, B2, G1, G2 | ＜10 ppb | ||
| Pesticides | Pesticide residues | According to regulation | LC & GC - MS/MS |
| Other Contaminants | Melamine | ＜2.5 ppm | LC-MS/MS |
| Colorants | Added colorants | Negative | HPLC-MS/MS |
Specifications of our Saffron Powdered Extract (3.5% Lepticrosalides):
| Test Items | Specifications | Test Methods | |
| Characteristics | Dark orange powder with characteristic odor and taste | Organoleptic | |
| Identification | Positive | HPLC-DAD/TLC | |
| Saffron profile | Positive | HPLC-DAD | |
| Lepticrosalides | ＞3.5% | HPLC-DAD | |
| Bulk Density | ＞0.3 g/mL | EP (2.9.34)/USP <616> | |
| Ash | ＜10% | EP (2.4.16)/USP 37 <281> | |
| Loss on Drying | ＜8% | EP (2.8.17)/USP 37 <731> | |
| Particle Size | 250μm/60 mesh | EP (2.9.12)/USP 34 <786> | |
| Microbiological Limits | TAMC | ＜10000 CFU/g | EP (2.6.12/2.6.13/2.6.31) USP 37 <61/62> |
| TYMC | ＜100 CFU/g | ||
| Enterobacteria | ＜100 CFU/g | ||
| L. monocytogenes | Negative/25g | ||
| E. coli | Negative/g | ||
| S. aureus | Negative/g | ||
| Salmonella spp | Negative/25g | ||
| Contaminants | Lead (Pb) | ＜3.0 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Arsenic (As) | ＜1.0 ppm | ||
| Cadmium (Cd) | ＜1.0 ppm | ||
| Mercury (Hg) | ＜0.1 ppm | ||
| PAH - BaP | ＜10 ppb | GC-MS/MS | |
| PAHs (∑ BaP, BaA, BbF, CHR) | ＜50 ppb | ||
| Aflatoxin B1 | ＜5 ppb | HPLC-MS/MS | |
| Aflatoxins (∑ B1, B2, G1, G2) | ＜10 ppb | ||
| Melamine | ＜2.5 ppm | HPLC-MS/MS | |
| Pyrrolizidine alkaloids | ＜400 ppb | HPLC-MS/MS | |
| Pesticides | Pesticides residues | According to regulation | HPLC & GC-MS/MS |
Application Areas:
1) Food Industry:
Natural food coloring (replacing artificial coloring) for seasoning (such as Spanish paella, Middle Eastern desserts).
2) Traditional Medicine:
Persian and Indian Ayurveda are used to relieve premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and improve blood circulation.
3) Modern Research Directions:
★ Neuroprotection: Animal experiments suggest that it has an effect on improving memory in Alzheimer's disease models.
★ Anti-cancer Potential: Laboratory studies have found that it can induce apoptosis in some cancer cells, but clinical evidence needs to be further studied.
★ Anti-depression: Small clinical trials have shown that it can help relieve mild to moderate depressive symptoms.
※ Safety and Precautions:
※ Toxicity:
More than 1.5 grams/day may cause poisoning (nausea, bleeding), and more than 5 grams/day may be fatal.
※ Contraindications:
Pregnant women (may stimulate uterine contractions), patients with bleeding disorders, and those who are allergic to safflower plants.
※ Drug Interactions:
Combination with anticoagulants (such as Warfarin) may increase the risk of bleeding.
Product Forms on the Market:
☀ Standardized Extracts:
Marked with crocin content (such as 2% or 5%), used in capsules and tablets.
☀ Liquid Extracts:
In the form of drops, easy to adjust the dosage.
☀ Topical Preparations:
Anti-aging creams, repair serums (using antioxidant properties).
Identification and Quality:
☝ Adulteration:
Common counterfeits are dyed with gardenia or mixed with other plant fibers. The stigma morphology can be observed by microscopy or its characteristic components can be detected by HPLC.
☝ Geographical Indications:
High-quality production areas include Iran (accounting for 90% of global production), Spain (La Mancha certification), and Kashmir.
Packaging:
10g/Bag, 20g/Bag, 50g/Bag, 100g/Bag, 200g/Bag, 500g/Bag or according to the specific requirements from customers.
Storage Conditions:
Sealed in unopened original containers below room temperature (＜25℃); kept away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture (＜60% RH).
Shelf Life:
36 months from the date of manufacturing when stored under the above conditions.
