Characterization of secondary metabolites derived from different parts of Crocus sativus L. cultivated in Italy

In this study, several spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques were employed to investigate the metabolic profile of different parts of Crocus sativus L. cultivated in Italy. The volatile profiling characterized by GC-MS for samples with the same genetic and geographical origin revealed some differences associated with different drying processes applied. LC-DAD/MS, NMR, FT-IR, and Raman were used to explore quality parameters of saffron , while other C. sativus flower parts (i.e. petals, leaves, and stamens) were also investigated. The metabolic profiling of saffron samples with different genetic origin but produced in the same region is also examined. C. sativus stamens, a possible bioadulterant, were studied to investigate potential marker compounds useful for their identification. All the results obtained highlight some aspects of genuine Italian saffron sold in Italy.