More than 85% of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is producing in 22 region of Iran [1]. The quality control and its geographical effects is the main concern behind it.
In this study, we developed a chromatographic fingerprint of 22 type saffron from
22 regions of Iran. Multivariate clustering methods of PCA and HCA are used for finding
similarities and dissimilarities in three wavelengths 440, 308, 254 lead to the samples
divided in different class base on their HPLC fingerprints. Then as a reliable, sensitive
and fast method of analysis, MALDI-TOF-MS introduced for simultaneous determination
of crocins, safranal and picrocrocin. Eventually and according to International Committee
of Harmonization (ICH) regulation for the validation of analytical methods parameters
including linearity range for crocins, picrocrocin and safranal was obtained at the
range of 22-200, 32-200 and 22-100 ng/spot respectively. Also limit of quantification
(LOQ) for crocins, picrocrocin and safranal were 7.18, 10.71 and 6.76 ng/spot respectively.
Finally, this work is introducing MADLI-TOF as a very fast and reliable method for
quantitative metabolites profiling of medicinal plant.
