Different spectroscopic approaches for the analysis of secondary metabolites derived from different tissues of Crocus sativus L. flower cultivated in Italy

In this study, several spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques were employed to investigate the metabolic profile of different tissues of Crocus sativus L. flower cultivated in Italy. The volatile profiling of stigmas was characterized by GC-MS [1] for samples with the same genetic and geographical origin, revealing some differences associated with different drying processes applied. LC-DAD, NMR [2], FT-IR [3], and Raman were used to explore quality parameters of saffron while other C. sativus flower parts (i.e. tepals and stamens) were also investigated. The metabolic profiling of saffron samples with different genetic origin but produced in the same region was also examined. C. sativus stamens, a possible bioadulterant, were studied to investigate potential marker compounds useful for their identification. The results obtained highlight some new aspects of genuine saffron sold in Italy.