{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: A review of the chemistry and uses of crocins and crocetin, the carotenoid natural dyes in saffron, with particular emphasis on applications as colorants including their use as biological stains.
{Author}: Bathaie SZ;Farajzade A;Hoshyar R;
{Journal}: Biotech Histochem
{Volume}: 89
{Issue}: 6
{Year}: Aug 2014
{Factor}: 1.834
{DOI}: 10.3109/10520295.2014.890741
{Abstract}: The perennial flowering plant, saffron crocus (Crocus sativus L.), is the source of the most expensive spice in the world. The dried stigmas of saffron flowers are the source of a natural dye, saffron, which has been used from ancient times for dyeing silk and fabric rugs, and for painting; it also has been used for cooking and in medicine. The yellow compounds present in the dye include crocins, which are 20-carbon water soluble glycosyl derivatives of the carotenoid, crocetin, and the dicarboxylic acid itself. We review the chemistry of these compounds and discuss various applications of saffron as a natural dye. We review in particular the use of saffron or its constituents in histopathologic techniques.