Have you ever thought about the use of saffron? Sustainable growth in saffron-growing regions makes saffron the most valued therapeutic food commodity. In this light, organic farming, fair trade, and solidarity tourism are all bolstered by the traditional saffron production’s numerous strengths and indisputable competitive advantages.
Saffron, made from the dried stigmas of the plant Crocus sativus, is a popular spice with additional use in the pharmaceutical and textile dye sectors, as well as the increasingly popular and widely utilized field of cosmetics, which places a premium on using safe and natural components.
Several medicinal formulations used the renowned stigmas, and recent research on the plant’s pharmacological properties has boosted its profile in the Codex. The cosmetic usage of saffron has seen a resurgence in recent years. In addition to its well-known and widely-appreciated antioxidant effects, saffron also has several potential uses in the cosmetics industry, including as a pigment, in fragrances, and as a treatment for sun damage and pigmentation.
However, its high price and limited availability result from its fragile cultivation, poor output due to mostly handpicking and trimming, and countless forgeries of which it is the victim.
Use of Saffron in Cosmetics and Perfumery
There has been a resurgence in interest in saffron as a beauty ingredient in recent years. Saffron skin advantages have been prized for centuries for its ability to keep it looking young and healthy, either used topically or ingested in the form of an infusion, whether it be combined with fat or macerated in milk. It was an ingredient in Cleopatra’s cosmetics.
Traditionally, Iranians have used saffron to cure erysipelas and to enhance their patient’s appearance.
In traditional Greek medicine, it is used to cure acne, skin problems, and wounds and to rejuvenate the skin of the face. Furthermore, the body may have a more youthful and vibrant appearance.
One such group is Hindu ladies, who apply a Bindi (a yellow dot on the forehead) with saffron. A third eye represents good fortune and morality.
Multiple recent pieces of research have shown that saffron tepals, due to their high concentrations of crocin and kaempferol, are a valuable resource for developing new cosmetics. Saffron has several potential uses in the beauty industry beyond its antioxidant characteristics. Following is a list of the most promising options.
Use of Saffron as an Anti-UV Agent
UV radiation from prolonged sun exposure may cause significant skin sores. Saffron has UV-protective properties.
Studies suggest saffron lotion may be a superior sunscreen to homosalate (an organic compound used in some sunscreens). Thus, saffron absorbs UV. Saffron’s antioxidant qualities and antisolar and moisturizing effects help prevent skin cancer.
Skin Lightening
Saffron reduces melanin. It lightens skin well. Crocus sativus extract, depigmented and anti-rhythmic skin. Eumelanin (brown-black) and phaeomelanin (red-yellow) are produced by skin melanocytes.
Melanogenesis involves enzyme-controlled oxidative reactions. Tyrosinase drives this. Monoterpenoids, crocin, quercetin, kaempferol, and other C. sativus phenolics are antioxidants. These compounds reduce skin melanin by inhibiting tyrosinase.
Use of Saffron on Aging and Skin Diseases
Saffron steeped with basil leaves treats acne in traditional herbal cosmetics. Saffron strands, virgin coconut oil, olive oil, and raw milk exfoliate and promote facial blood circulation.
Erythema—inflammation, redness, or rash—can be reduced by saffron. Antioxidants in saffron should reduce inflammatory indicators like TNF and interleukin. Melanoma may be treated with a formulation containing 3% C. sativus extract. In clinical studies, researchers discovered that saffron’s anti-pruritic and skin-promoting properties were better than placebo.
Use of Saffron in Perfumery
Aristophanes called the spice’s scent “sensual” (Clouds 51).
Saffron gets its smell from safranal, its major odoriferous component. Saffron was a royal dye and perfume in Ancient Greece (2000–146 BC). Later, commoners used it.
The Parthian Dynasty utilized saffron as a regal perfume and a revitalizing oil face for monarchs and ceremonial leaders.
Today, woody, sweet, and harmonic notes are used in feminine and masculine scents with exotic possibilities.
Use of Saffron as a Natural Pigment in Cosmetics
For ages, plant pigments, including curcumin, beet anthocyanins, pepper carotenoids, green leaf chlorophyll, and saffron, have colored food and cosmetics.
Many commercial cosmetics include synthetic colorants, which might produce negative effects with extended usage. These cosmetics now include healthful natural elements.
Due to its exorbitant cost, cosmetics utilize saffron sparingly. It replaces turmeric when the light fades it. Replaces Tartrazine.
Traditional Use of Saffron
Culinary Use of Saffron
The majority of saffron that has ever been produced has been utilized, and continues to be used, in culinary applications all across the globe, from ancient times right up to the current day.
The perfume has been likened to honey but with hints of metal, which is how chefs and saffron professionals have characterized it. As a seasoning for rice, saffron is utilized in a variety of nations, including India, Iran, Spain, and others.
Paella Valenciana, a specialty meal produced from rice, and zarzuela, created from fish, are two examples of the various dishes in Spanish cuisine that make use of this ingredient.
In addition, saffron may be found in dishes such as the French bouillabaisse, an Italian Milanese risotto, and an Italian saffron cake.
Saffron is an essential ingredient in Chelow kabab, which is Iran’s national dish.
Saffron is often used in biryanis, which are classic meals prepared from rice in Indian cuisine. Additionally, it is used in producing sweets such as gulabjaman and kulfi.
In Morocco, saffron is used not only as a spice in the production of a variety of traditional foods, such as koftas (meatballs and tomatoes) or mrouzia, but it is also used in tea in place of mint (a sweet-salty dish made from mutton or dill). Saffron is also an essential component in the herb mixture known as chermoula, which is used to season various Moroccan recipes.
Use of Saffron as Coloring Power
As a result of the detrimental effects of synthetic food dyes, their use has been outlawed in several nations, and natural colors have taken their place. The great solubility of crocine in water makes it desirable to use saffron as much as an alternative color in the area of agro-food.
Saffron may be used in the same amount. Because of this, the potent coloring ability of saffron—which could also be used in cosmetics—has been used for a very long time to color foods such as butter, pasta, cheeses, and oleomargarines. This is because it could also be used in cosmetics.
Saffron is often used in art and textiles because of its golden-yellow tint. Both alkaline and acidic environments do not significantly affect the stability of the saffron solutions.
Crocin’s pKa (acid dissociation constant), dicarboxylic acids, esters, and nitrogen molecules are all responsible for this feature. The oxidation of cellulose may be slowed down by using solutions containing saffron.
Silk, wool, and traditional Oriental carpets are still dyed with saffron, as are the robes worn by Buddhist monks.
Natural colors offer several advantages over synthetic dyes, including superior biodegradability and compatibility with the surrounding environment, less toxicity, and reduced allergenicity.
