Saffron an Unani Drug and Concept of Adulterant: A Comparative Assessment 
Reesha Ahmed, Mohd. Wasim Ahmed, Shoeb Ahmed Ansari, Meena R.P., Asma Sattar Khan

Abstract
Saffron is the name of dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L. flower whose dried stigmas which are a popular spice and food condiment renowned for its color, aroma, and flavor. It is used generally in the Unani system of medicine as a single and in compound drugs due to comprehensive pharmacological properties. The main bioactive constituents of saffron are carotenoids such as crocetin esters (or crocin), crocetin, and terpenoids like picrocrocin and safranal. Due to the high cost of saffron, adulteration occurs in local markets. For saffron adulteration, normally inexpensive and available plants, less important parts of the saffron plant, minerals, artificial colorant, weight agents, animal substances, and artificial substances are used. In this paper, we communicate a comprehensive review on comparative assessment of various adulterants of Saffron.

Keywords: Saffron, Stigma, Adulteration, Medicinal plant, Comparative assessment