Chemical characterization, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Moroccan Crocus sativus L petals and leaves

The phytochemical, antioxidant and mineral composition of petals and leaves of moroccan crocus sativus l, was determined. leaves presented higher percentage of moisture, protein, lipid and total carbohydrate than petals. the extracts of petals were found to contain high amount of mineral elements especially na, ca and n. sodium was found to be the most abundant mineral with a value of 55.4% g in leaves. the leaves and petals were found to possess comparatively higher values of total flavonoids and total phenolics. the leaf extract was found to show comparatively higher antioxidant activity for 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (dpph) inhibition in comparison with the extract of petals. the leaf extracts gave higher antioxidant capacity measured with the frap assay. the results revealed that only leaves extract of crocus sativus is representing a source of substances with antimicrobial activity against the studied bacteria, especially, against listeria spp. petals and leaves of crocus sativus l, would be an important candidate in pharmaceutical formulations and play an important role in improving the human health by participating in the antioxidant defense system against free radical generation and generate in case of marketing or use of this petal and leave additional income for producers.