Crocus sativus L. Extract and Its Constituents

Natural products or organic compounds isolated from natural sources as primary orsecondary metabolites have inspired numerous drugs. It is not an overstatement that themajority of medicines in clinics, even in the 21st century, have been derived from naturalresources despite the decline of industry research into natural products due to a varietyof drawbacks. Saffron crocus, considered to be the most valuable spice by weight, and itsbioactive constituents, have been studied for the treatment of a wide range ofpathologies, including neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, diabetes, and even cardiovascular diseases. In this book on the chemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic potential of Crocus sativus L. extract and its constituents, we aimed toassess new advances in the understanding of the therapeutic action of saffron and itsconstituents in targeting different pathologies. In this context, eight original researcharticles covering recent advances in the therapeutic actions of saffron and its ingredientsin different diseases are reported. Two studies reporting novel methods regarding thebioanalysis of saffron extracts have been included. The collection is completed with twovery interesting reviews reporting advances in the fields of schizophrenia and cancer. Inconclusion, in this book, we are delighted to have received several contributions that wehope will provide new and interesting information for the scientific community on thechemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic potential of Crocus sativus L. extract and itsconstituents.