Saffron Agronomy and Technology

Abstract In order to investigate the effects of planting date and first irrigation date on growth and yield of saffron an experiment under Nasrabad climatic condition of Torbat-e Jam city in 2017 - 2018 was carried out as a split plot based on randomized complete blocks design with three replications. Experimental treatments were six planting dates (22 May, 5 June, 22 June, 6 July, 23 July and 6 August) as main plots and three irrigation times: irrigation after each planting, irrigation on 21 August and irrigation based on custom region on 7 October (control) as sub plots. In this study, number of flowers, flowers fresh weight, stigma fresh and dry weight, crocin, picrocrocin and safranal were measured. Results showed yield and components of yield decreased by delaying in planting date and irrigation after each planting. In the first and second years of the experiment, respectively, the highest number of flowers per m2 (16.41 and 49.35), the highest fresh flower yield (47.60 and 127.73 kg/ha), the highest fresh stigma yield (4.09 and 12.95 kg/ha), and the highest dry stigma yield (714 and 2841 g/ha) were obtained on May 22 planting date with combination with irrigation on August 21. All treatments had no significant effect on crocin content. The maximum content of picrocrocin (111.33 mg/g) and safranal (53.77 mg/g) recorded on 21 August irrigation treatment. Picrocrocin content decreased by delaying in planting date and the highest of picrocrocin was observed on 22 May and 5 June. Based on the results, it was recommended that saffron planting from 22 May until 6 July, no irrigation after planting and irrigation on 21 August are good method for saffron production.

Abstract Obesity, as a complex metabolic disorder with a high prevalence, is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, atherogenic dyslipidemia, and chronic systemic inflammation. Chronic inflammation in adipose tissue, through elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, exacerbates insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction. Identifying nutritional or pharmacological interventions capable of simultaneously modulating lipid profile and inflammation is of significant clinical importance. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of daily supplementation with Fran-Zar syrup (compound saffron formulation) on lipid profile and the inflammatory marker ESR in individuals with obesity. In this interventional trial, 56 obese participants (BMI ≥ 30) received 10 mL of Fran-Zar syrup daily for eight weeks. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after the intervention to measure total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL, and ESR. The syrup consisted of saffron (Crocus sativus L). extract, rich in crocin, crocetin, and safranal, combined with grape syrup (Vitis vinifera L), a natural source of flavonoids and anthocyanins. Results showed that after eight weeks, levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL were significantly reduced, while HDL increased significantly. Moreover, ESR levels declined markedly. These findings indicate a synergistic effect of bioactive compounds in saffron and grape syrup on improving lipid status and reducing systemic inflammation. Fran-Zar syrup (compound saffron formulation) may serve as a natural and safe supplement to improve lipid profile and modulate inflammation in individuals with obesity. Further randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm these results.

Abstract Saffron is recognized as the most valuable spice worldwide, not only for its culinary applications but also for its roles in traditional medicine and pharmaceutical industries. Its high value is primarily attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds. Microencapsulation, a technique used to entrap active constituents within particles for controlled release at specific times and locations, has been shown to enhance the stability of these sensitive compounds. Among various methods, spray drying is widely employed in microencapsulation processes. In the present study, bioactive compounds of saffron were encapsulated using starch extracted from saffron corms as the wall material at concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 20% through spray drying. The physicochemical properties of the resulting powders, including water activity, particle size and distribution, as well as the retention of saffron’s major active constituents (crocin, safranal, and picrocrocin), were systematically evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to investigate the entrapment efficiency and morphological characteristics of the microcapsules. Results indicated that the sample containing 20% starch as the wall material exhibited superior microcapsule morphology compared to other formulations, with enhanced sphericity and structural integrity. Increasing the concentration of wall material was associated with a reduction in water activity (0.173), as well as a decrease in particle size to 88.7 nm, leading to the formation of stable microcapsules that prevented agglomeration during encapsulation. Additionally, higher wall material levels resulted in increased positive zeta potential values (up to +25 mV), confirming the improved stability of the encapsulated system. Encapsulation efficiency was high across all formulations, averaging 96%. Notably, microcapsules prepared with 5% wall material exhibited enhanced protective effects against degradation of saffron’s color compounds (0.56 nm). In conclusion, microencapsulation of saffron extract using starch derived from saffron corms is an effective strategy for preserving its bioactive compounds, offering promising potential for applications in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Abstract Metabolic syndrome is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. In the United States, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome is 34% for men and 35% for women. In response to the growing interest in alternative medicine worldwide, we conducted an investigation to assess the potential efficacy of Crocus sativus (saffron) in treating metabolic syndrome. In a randomized, controlled, single-blind efficacy trial featuring three treatment groups, we randomly assigned 77 patients meeting the International Diabetes Foundation criteria for metabolic syndrome, aged 18 or older, to receive either saffron juice or placebo tablets. This study was conducted at the outpatient clinic of the CAM Research Center of Birjand University of Medical Sciences BUMS. We measured serum total cholesterol, serum LDL cholesterol, serum HDL cholesterol, serum triglyceride levels, fasting blood sugar, and hematocrit before and after 45 days of treatment. The results revealed that both the saffron and placebo groups exhibited significant reductions in serum total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels compared to their baseline measurements (P<0.001). These findings suggest that saffron, combined with positive thoughts, may have a therapeutic impact on metabolic syndrome. Further scientifically designed comprehensive clinical studies in this domain hold the promise of yielding promising results.

Abstract Climate change is one of the key challenges affecting agricultural sustainability across many plains of Iran. In recent decades, decreased precipitation and rising temperatures in Iran’s arid and semi-arid climates—particularly in the Hamedan–Bahar plain—have led to reduced water resource efficiency and increased instability in agricultural production. Under these circumstances, identifying and evaluating climate-resilient cropping options is essential to enhance the adaptive capacity of regional agriculture. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of saffron cultivation as an economically viable and climate-compatible strategy in the Hamedan–Bahar plain. First, projected trends in temperature and precipitation were analyzed using climate scenario data for the synoptic station at Hamedan Airport. Subsequently, the yields of saffron and other common regional crops were simulated under these scenarios using a crop growth and yield simulation model. A mathematical programming model was then developed to maximize net agricultural profit and to examine the impact of changing crop yields on the cropping pattern under different climate scenarios. The results indicate that, under all three future climate scenarios, the average yield of major crops such as wheat, barley, and potato is expected to decline by approximately 2–4%. In contrast, saffron yield is projected to increase by an average of up to 3% across the scenarios. Furthermore, both the cultivated area and net profit from saffron exhibit an upward trend toward 2050. Notably, even under the pessimistic scenario, incorporating saffron into the cropping pattern leads to a net profit increase of more than 2% compared to the baseline. These findings underscore saffron’s potential as an economically attractive, low-risk, and climate-resilient crop, highlighting its role as an effective adaptation strategy to complement previously studied measures under future climate conditions.

Abstract Innovation is the cornerstone of economic development and the essential pathway for business advancement. This concept encompasses the generation of novel ideas that can be applied to address new and fundamental challenges. In fact, innovation has led to increased productivity and profitability, access to new markets and improvement of existing markets. Therefore, for the success of their operations, businesses must turn to different forms of innovation, therefore, considering the need to increase the performance of the saffron industry, one of the basic solutions is to identify the existing innovations of this industry. In this regard, this study has identified innovations in the saffron processing industries of Khorasan Razavi Province. This research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-survey in terms of nature and method, and is based on a mixed research approach (qualitative and quantitative). The study population consisted of saffron industry experts in 2024, who were selected using the snowball sampling method. Data analysis and the application of the Fuzzy Delphi method were carried out using SPSS and Excel software. The results of the Pentagonal Fuzzy Delphi method showed that 16 of the 25 identified innovations were innovations in the saffron processing industry. Also, the results showed that the development of a new processed saffron product, fundamental changes in technology at the macro and national level, improvement of the current saffron product and new methods in the production method were among the most important innovations identified. According to the findings of this research, it is suggested that saffron processing industries pay attention to the development of new processed products such as saffron beverages and teas to increase their global market share while creating added value. Also, cooperation between the government and the private sector to facilitate access to modern technologies and the use of advanced automation systems in production processes will help improve quality and reduce costs. Ultimately, using innovative methods in digital production and branding can help strengthen competitiveness and increase exports of this product.