• Umair Alam

Saffron is obtained from the dried red stigmas of Crocus sativus L., an autumnal herbaceous flowering plant belonging to the Iridaceae family. It is largely cultivated in Iran, India, Afghanistan, Greece, Morocco, Spain and Italy. Saffron global production is estimated at 418 t y−1 on 121,338 ha. It is known as the most expensive spice in the world and as beneficial for human health due to three main bioactive compounds: crocin, picrocrocin and safranal. The demand for saffron is increasing worldwide for its interesting role in cuisine, medicine and cosmetics. Saffron a perennial herb, well-known for its aroma and used for flavoring, is a culinary delight. It is an important commodity and is of great significance in the agricultural economics of Jammu and Kashmir. Saffron is popularly known as Red Gold(Kesar).India contributes 5% of the world's total production of which 90% is supplied only from its Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) regions. In India, the production of saffron from J&K is 3.83 tonnes whereas its annual demand is approximately 100 tonnes. Iran produces almost 90% of the total world production. The saffron market is expected to grow by 12.09% in the forecastperiod2020to2027regarding the medicinal effects of saffron. Saffron is regarded as tonic andantidepressant and has been used in various ancient cultures for strengthening digestion, relievingcoughs, smoothing menstruation, relaxing muscle spasms, calming anxiety and improve mood. In Jammu and Kashmir State, its cultivation is restricted to two districts only (Pulwama and Kishtwar). In the present review an attempt was made to highlight the Secondary metabolites and Economic importance of saffron, to discuss its distribution around the globe, to specify its taxonomic status, to enlist its chemical constituents, and to

Crocus sativus ,Stigma,crocin,picrocrocin,safranal,Anti-cancerous ,Biomedical,Taxonomy,pharmacological extraction karewa soil.

"Recent advances and Comparative Study of the taxonomic status, secondary metabolites Economic importance and Anti-cancerous properties of Crocus SativusL.,", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 2, page no.b183-b196, February-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2402120.pdf

"Recent advances and Comparative Study of the taxonomic status, secondary metabolites Economic importance and Anti-cancerous properties of Crocus SativusL.,", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 2, page no. ppb183-b196, February-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2402120.pdf