Which Persian Saffron Grades Have Stronger Anti-cancer Properties?
At $5,000-$10,000 per kilogram or higher, saffron is named as the world's most expensive spice by weight. Saffron, a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, originated in Persia (Iran) and today Iran produces some 90% of the world's high quality saffron grades. The word saffron is probably rooted in the old Persian word zarparan meaning "gold strung" implying either the golden stamens of the flower or the golden color it creates when used as flavor.
Saffron may be an exceedingly efficient anxiolytic alternative to pharmaceutical drugs for treatment of depression and mood disorders. No serious adverse effects were reported in any of the saffron studies.
Saffron contains a carotenoid pigment, crocin, which imparts a rich golden-yellow hue to dishes and textiles.A number of studies have indicated that crocin induces an antitumor effect by inhibiting proliferation and inducing the apoptosis of tumor cells, as well as downregulating tumor angiogenesis.
A recent study by researchers at Kurdistan University's Biology Department in Iran has ranked various grades of Iranian saffron (from different regions) in their anti-tumor properties. Saffrons from all regions induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner and extracts from Gonabad and Najafabad saffrons showed a time-dependent effect as well.
Researchers also found that methanol extracts of saffron from Gonabad had a strong cytotoxic effect on breast cancer cell line MCF-7.
Despite attempts at quality control and standardization, an extensive history of saffron adulteration, particularly among the cheapest grades, continues into modern times. Adulteration was first documented in Europe's Middle Ages, when those found selling adulterated saffron were executed under the Safranschou code. Typical methods include mixing in extraneous substances like beetroot, pomegranate fibres, red-dyed silk fibres, or the saffron crocus's tasteless and odourless yellow stamens. Other methods included dousing saffron fibres with viscid substances like honey or vegetable oil to increase their weight. Powdered saffron is more prone to adulteration, with turmeric, paprika, and other powders used as diluting fillers. Adulteration can also consist of selling mislabelled mixes of different saffron grades. Thus, high-grade Kashmiri saffron is often sold and mixed with cheaper Iranian imports; these mixes are then marketed as pure Kashmiri saffron, a development that has cost Kashmiri growers much of their income. Safflower is a common substitute sometimes sold as saffron. The spice is reportedly counterfeited with horse hair, corn silk, or shredded paper. Tartrazine or sunset yellow have been used to color counterfeit powdered saffron.
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