Synthesis of Crocin, Picrocrocin and Safranal by Saffron Stigma-like Structures Proliferated in Vitro

Abstract

Crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal as the major secondary metabolites are important for the high quality of spice saffron. Crocin and picrocrocin were detected in stigma-like structures proliferated in vitro. Safranal appeared after heat treatment. The contents and relative ratio of these substances in the stigma-like structures were similar to those in intact young stigmas, indicating that these stigma-like structures showed not only morphological but also biochemical similarity to the intact stigmas. © 1987, Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Agrochemistry. All rights reserved.