Bioactivity and applications of saffron floral bio-residues (tepals): a natural by-product for the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries

Saffron Crocus sativus is a plant of the Iridaceae family. Its therapeutic virtues have been known since antiquity; it is used in traditional medicine and culinary preparations. It is also known for its use in cosmetics because of its beneficial pharmacological activities for human skin. In particular, saffron tepals are the main by-product of saffron processing; they contain several bioactive compounds such as mineral agents, anthocyanins, monoterpenoids, carotenoids, flavonoids, and flavonols (kaempferol). This review aims to describe the different properties of saffron flower tepals, including their botanical characteristics, phytochemical composition, biological activities, and cosmetology and perfumery uses.

Automated summary

Saffron, a plant of the Iridaceae family, has been used in traditional medicine, culinary preparations, and cosmetics. The saffron tepals, which contain bioactive compounds, are the main by-product of saffron processing. This review aims to explore the characteristics, composition, biological activities, and uses of saffron flower tepals in cosmetology and perfumery.