In-depth analysis of crocetin ester glycosides from dried/processed stigmas of Crocus sativus L. by HPLC-ESI-MS (n = 2, 3).

Introduction: Saffron stigmas from Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae) are used as a drug in folk medicine, as a food additive and as a dying agent for at least 3500 years. Despite this long-term use the chemical composition of saffron seems still to be not fully known.

A laser desorption ionization/matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization target system applicable for three distinct types of instruments (LinTOF/curved field RTOF, LinTOF/RTOF and QqRTOF) with different performance characteristics from three vendors.

Rationale: We have developed a target system which enables the use of only one target (i.e. target preparation set) for three different laser desorption ionization (LDI)/matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometric instruments.

Processed stigmas of Crocus sativus L. imaged by MALDI-based MS.

The processed, i.e. dried under certain conditions, stigmas of Crocus sativus L.