Identification of crocus sativus and its adulterants from Chinese markets by using DNA barcoding technique

ABSTRACT

Background: saffron [Crocus sativus L.] is a common but very expensive herbal medicine. As an important traditional medicine, it has an outstanding effect in treating irregular and painful menstruation. Recently, the over-demand tendency of saffron results in an unusual phenomenon in the medicinal markets. Adulterants and saffron-like substitutes are intentionally mixed into medicinal markets and pharmacies or online stores, affecting drug safety and food quality