Page 111 - Pharmacognosy-I (02-06-06-102)
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Saffron BP 2008
Definition:
Dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L. usually joined by the
base to a short style family lridiaceae. Saffron contains not more
than 10% of styles and anthers.
It is cultivated in Spain
Macroscopic Characters:
Hay saffron occurs in dark brick-red stigmas mass of
flattened stigmas.
Each stigma in about 25 mm in length and has the shape of a
long tube, narrow at the base, where it joins the style. The tubes,
gradually widening at the top, are incised on one side, the upper
margin is open and finely crenated. The lips of the tube are
irregularly notched and the margin is papillosed. The stigmas
are either single or attached in three to a short portion of the pale
yellow, not more than 5 mm long style.
Pollen grains are often found on the stigma, they are
spherical almost smooth with very fine projections.
Saffron has a strong characteristic odour and a bitter taste.
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