Phenotypic and phytochemical diversity of saffron (Crocus Sativus L.)

Our work focuses on the study of a medicinal plant Crocus sativus. L known as saffron, which is very popular and widely used as a spice and in traditional medicine. The purpose of this work was to compare saffron genotypes derived from three different regions, namely Tlemcen, Khenchela (Algeria) and Taliouine (Morocco).Phenotypic diversity was determined by the Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H ') at different levels. The estimated H showed high phenotypic variability for different traits with an average H of 0.73. The results of the Multiple Correspondence Analysis (PCA) and the Hierarchical Classification (CAH) showed a clear distinction between genotypes. The study of phytochemical parameters it was made from water-acetone extracts of the stigmas. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, quinones, terpenoids and reducing compounds in the 3 regions stigma extracts; while Anthraquinones and saponins are absent in prepared extracts. The results showed polyphenols, and total flavonoids. The water-acetone extract of Khenchla’s stigmas was higher than Remchi’s. The samples from Taliouine is superior in in polyphenolic compounds (0.6 mg EAG / 100g MF), and flavonoids (0.895mg EQ / 100g MF) Crocus sativus. L stigma extract.