IOSR Journal of Applied Physics (IOSR-JAP) e-ISSN: 2278-4861.Volume 6, Issue 6 Ver. II (Nov.-Dec. 2014), PP 56-61 www.iosrjournals.org www.iosrjournals.org 56 | Page Discrimination of Saffron available in local markets Using Spectroscopic methods Parekhan M.Jaff 1 , Banaz O. Rasheed 2 , and Triffa Attar Omer 3 1’2 Physics Department, School of Science, Faculty of Science and Educational Science, Sulaimani University, Kurdistan Region, Iraq 3 Chemistry Department, School of Science, Faculty of Science and Educational Science, Sulaimani University, Kurdistan Region, Iraq Abstract: Saffron is known for its diverse uses and importance in the global spice trade. The objective of the present work was to use Inductive Couple Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP OES) and Infrared spectroscopy methods to examine the possibility to discriminate the different types of Saffron available in Kurdistan markets, to study which of these products are natural. And to indicate if a harmful element will be found in the artificial types. The result showed that the artificial saffron available in Kurdistan markets contains Lead and vanadium, which can lead to serious health problems. Key words: Saffron, Inductive Couple Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy. Infrared spectroscopy. I. Introduction Saffron is a perennial plant with botanical name of Crocus Sativus Linn is a genus in the family Iridaceae . Saffron a flower with a great coloring power which is cultivated in India, Iran, China, Spain, Greece etc. It is used for flavoring and coloring foods and it has also been used as a perfume and as a drug in ancient medicine [1]. Spice made from the dried yellowish orange 2.5-4cm long stigmas of purple-flowered saffron is considered as the world most expensive spice since harvesting saffron is very labour intensive, considering the low number of flowers per hectare and the work required for harvesting it [2]. Each blossom has three stigmas, which are picked by hand in the morning before the heat of the day, and then dried by heating or sun dried for 15-30 minutes, while the blossoms are thrown away. Approximately 1 Kg of flower is required to produce 12 g of dried Saffron spice [2, 3] Saffron contains more than 100 volatile and aroma-yielding compounds. It also has many nonvolatile active components, many of which are carotenoids, However, saffron's golden yellow-orange colour is primarily the result of α-crocin. Saffron has anticancer property; its interaction with DNA is studied [3]. Research on saffron's antitumor effects has been published in about 40 experimental and review articles. Just as saffron is produced in many parts of the world, so anticancer research on saffron is also a multinational effort, and involves scientists from Azerbaijan, Greece, Hungary, India, Japan, Mexico, Spain, USA and other countries. Saffron petals contain phenol and flavonoide components, apart from antioxidant positive effects on improving health, antioxidants are also added in food to prevent or delay the oxidation of food initiated by free radicals formed during their exposure to environmental factors such as air, light and temperature [5, 6]. Recently, phenolics and flavonoids have been considered as great antioxidants and proved to be more effective than Vitamin C, E and carotenoids [7,8]. The flavones seem to be the most powerful flavonoids for protecting the body against reactive oxygen species (ROS).They have also been suggested to play a protective role in liver diseases and cardiovascular diseases. The Surprising Science Behind Saffron Extract And Weigh Loss: The surprising science behind saffron extract and weight loss came down to the cellular level benefits of saffron acting as a neurotransmitter of the feel good hormone serotonin. Because saffron extract has the potential to increase mood and serotonin to the brain, it can dramatically lower emotional eating habits as well as better proportional control. It is important to note that all medical weight loss science and studies regarding Saffron Extract’s ability to curb hunger and suppress appetite are supported with Satie real ingredient. Saffron Extract has many historical medicinal uses, namely to aid in; soothing irritated and upset stomachs, ease of digestion towards spicy foods, and adds the ability to potentially treat depression because of the increased serotonin levels. The research about Satiereal Saffron Extract essentially concluded the following potential health benefits after continued used.