CROCUS SATIVUS (SAFFRON) USED AS A MEDICINAL HERB IN KASHMIR

Gunjan*, Mohammad Hammad War and Preeti Singh

Crocus sativus (Kesar) has been a significant ingredient in the recipes of our ancient physicians in Indian systems of medicine, and its cultivation is a Jammu and Kashmir exclusivity. The stigmas of the plant are consumed for they contain a variety of chemical constituents like the crocetin, crocin and other flavanoids which make them suitable to possess diversified medicinal properties for treating various pathogenesis. This document includes a historical review, botanical description, vernacular names, and other information. cultivation, collection, preservation, and storage, adulterants, purity testing, chemical makeup, action and applications, folkloric claims, and markets with a focus on medical utility. This herb is widely used in different systems of medicine lime homoeopathy, Ayurvedic, Unani and other systems for the health benefits. The major role is in the wellness of the human and sustained impact on lifestyle diseases.