Evaluation of antioxidant activities of saffron stigma and spath as by-product of Crocus sativus L

Abstract

The present study aimed to estimate and compare, using in vitro assays, the antioxidant activities of alcoholic extracts of saffron stigma and spath as by-products of the saffron crop. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using in vitro assays such as total antioxidant capacity, DPPH free radical, Scavenging of H2O2, FRAP and β-carotene bleaching assay. The results allowed us to evidence the presence of products with antioxidant and bioactive capacities in spaths and stigmas of Crocus sativus. The response of each extract depends on the type of the test. Extract from spaths protect β-carotene from bleaching more than the extract of stigmas and extract from stigmas revealed a significant reducing power activity than that of spaths. As a result, we can consider these extracts especially that of spaths like a new source of antioxidant compounds.