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Ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Crocus sativus (saffron)

2020; Indian Botanical Society; Volume: 99; Issue: 3and4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.5958/2455-7218.2020.00017.0

2455-7218

Munit Sharma, R. Thakur, Munish Sharma,

Saffron Plant Research Studies

Saffron is cultivated in the less confined limited geographical area in the Jammu and Kashmir. It is used in treating various diseases due to many medicinal values. Saffron is linked with the Kashmiri cuisine that is traditionally being used and embodies the rich cultural heritage of the region. In Kashmir saffron cultivation is peculiar and it is a legendry crop of the well-drained fields of Pampore, Jammu and Kashmir. It is famous for production of the very high quality saffron. It also interests both scientists and consumers due to its immense value in both spices and medicinal properties. Although, in the recent trends, India ranks second only after Iran in terms of both area and production, but also ranks fifth in terms of productivity among all the top seven saffron producing countries of the world. However, Saffron production is currently suffering on several counts, falling productivity and unscientific post-harvest management are the major concerns. Some other factors that are responsible for the decline of saffron industry in Kashmir are, lack of availability of good-quality corms as seed material, poor soil fertility, lack of assured irrigation, infestation by rodents and diseases, poor post-harvest management, improper marketing facilities and increased urbanization on saffron lands. This legendary crop is under threat of extinction and warrants collective attention of researchers, farmers and policy makers. So, the aim of the present review paper is to collect complete report of the status, distribution, and uses of saffron from different region of Jammu and Kashmir.