Dosage of picrocrocin (beta-cyclocitral)

Picrocrocin A precursor to safranal, it contributes to the organoleptic profile of saffron in synergy with crocins and safranal.

Its dosage is essential for:

• Check the organoleptic quality of the saffron (bitter taste)
• Check the purity of saffron products
• Detecting fraud or adulteration (addition of foreign substances)
• Validate the content of bioactive compounds in standardized extracts

Picrocrocin analysis is a key step for producers, processors and formulators of saffron-based products.

Methodology

The analysis is performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with a UV detector (generally at 250 nm). Depending on the complexity of the sample, the method can be optimized by:

• HPLC-DAD (diode array) for better specificity
• LC-MS for more sensitive detection in complex or enriched matrices

Identification is based on tracking picrocrocin and its aglycone, beta-cyclocitral .

Affected matrices

• Whole (raw) saffron stigmas
• Saffron powder
• Standardized dry or liquid extracts
• Saffron-enriched products: capsules, infusions, drinks
• Nutraceutical or phytotherapeutic formulations

Industrial applications

• Nutraceuticals : standardization of saffron extracts for their antioxidant, neuroprotective or anti-stress activity
• Quality control in the production of premium saffron
• Fraud detection in the international saffron trade
• Cosmetics : verification of active ingredients in saffron-based botanical extracts

Why choose YesWeLab?

YesWeLab connects you with partner laboratories specializing in the analysis of saffron compounds, equipped with HPLC-DAD and LC-MS, and compliant with quality requirements (ISO 17025, COFRAC). We help you choose the method best suited to your objectives and matrix, while ensuring fast and secure tracking of your samples.

See also:

• Safranal dosage
• Crocin dosage
• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)