Crocus sativus L. Extract and Its Constituents

<p>Natural products or organic compounds isolated from natural sources as primary or</p><p>secondary metabolites have inspired numerous drugs. It is not an overstatement that the</p><p>majority of medicines in clinics even in the 21st century have been derived from natural</p><p>resources despite the decline of industry research into natural products due to a variety</p><p>of drawbacks. Saffron crocus considered to be the most valuable spice by weight and its</p><p>bioactive constituents have been studied for the treatment of a wide range of</p><p>pathologies including neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders cancer</p><p>diabetes and even cardiovascular diseases. In this book on the chemistry pharmacology</p><p>and therapeutic potential of Crocus sativus L. extract and its constituents we aimed to</p><p>assess new advances in the understanding of the therapeutic action of saffron and its</p><p>constituents in targeting different pathologies. In this context eight original research</p><p>articles covering recent advances in the therapeutic actions of saffron and its ingredients</p><p>in different diseases are reported. Two studies reporting novel methods regarding the</p><p>bioanalysis of saffron extracts have been included. The collection is completed with two</p><p>very interesting reviews reporting advances in the fields of schizophrenia and cancer. In</p><p>conclusion in this book we are delighted to have received several contributions that we</p><p>hope will provide new and interesting information for the scientific community on the</p><p>chemistry pharmacology and therapeutic potential of Crocus sativus L. extract and its</p><p>constituents.</p>