Anti-fungal activity and preliminary active components separation from ethanol extracts in Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) lateral buds

•Saffron lateral buds were non-medicine part for traditional medicine plant of Crocus sativus L.•The discarded saffron lateral buds contains several bioactive compounds.•Saffron lateral bud ethanol extracts showed excellent antifungal capacities.•The antifungal effects are stable in neutral and acidic pH ranges.•Saffron lateral buds were potential underutilized natural preservative resources.