DETERMINATION OF CROCIN ISOMERS AND ISOFORMS BY MEANS UHPLC-MS/MS AS QUALITY MARKER FOR SAFFRON

摘要

Saffron is a precious spice known as "red gold" obtained from the dried stigmas of the Crocus Sativus L., a plant of the Iridaceae family. Its importance is related to the peculiar quality and sensory properties, in particular aroma, colour and taste that are mainly due to the presence of safranal, crocins and picrocrocin, respectively [1]. Recent studies have highlighted the different beneficial health values beyond its colouring and flavouring abilities [2].