Nikolaos Pitsikas

Crocus sativus L. Extract and Its Constituents Nikolaos Pitsikas

Natural products or organic compounds isolated from natural sources as primary or

secondary metabolites have inspired numerous drugs. It is not an overstatement that the

majority of medicines in clinics, even in the 21st century, have been derived from natural

resources despite the decline of industry research into natural products due to a variety

of drawbacks. Saffron crocus, considered to be the most valuable spice by weight, and its

bioactive constituents, have been studied for the treatment of a wide range of

pathologies, 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 to

assess new advances in the understanding of the therapeutic action of saffron and its

constituents in targeting different pathologies. In this context, eight original research

articles covering recent advances in the therapeutic actions of saffron and its ingredients

in different diseases are reported. Two studies reporting novel methods regarding the

bioanalysis of saffron extracts have been included. The collection is completed with two

very interesting reviews reporting advances in the fields of schizophrenia and cancer. In

conclusion, in this book, we are delighted to have received several contributions that we

hope will provide new and interesting information for the scientific community on the

chemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic potential of Crocus sativus L. extract and its

constituents.