Qualitative and Quantitative Investigation of Phytochemical Factors of Wastage of CrocusSativus L. and Determination of Anthocyanin Content using Ultrasound Waves

Saffron is a spice derived from the flowers of Crocus Sativus L. and it is known as one of the most valuable medicinal plants worldwide. In this study, the extract of petal and stamen were obtained from saffron wastages with methods of maceration and ultrasonic with water, ethanol and methanol as solvent. First, phytochemical screening of natural compounds was investigated. Then the content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and tannins were measured, respectively, with the Folin-Ciocalteu, Aluminum chloride and PVPmethods. Mineral elements of plant were compared by atomic absorption and emission. The existence of phenolic compounds, Anthocyanins, steroids, tannins, phytoestrol and carbohydrates in the saffron waste were confirmed using qualitative measures. Our results clearly indicated that the extraction of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and tannins using water as the solvent is more effective than the use of other solvents. Moreover, the amount of anthocyanin in frozen sample was more than dried sample in situ of ethanol as solvent. It was shown that potassium had the maximum amount of mineral element, while manganese had the minimum amount of mineral element in petal and stamen of saffron.