Saffron Supplementation Research Articles

The effect of saffron supplement on clinical outcomes and metabolic profiles in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune and inflammatory disease. Our study aimed to determine the effect of saffron supplement on clinical outcomes and metabolic profiles in patients with active RA. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 66 women older than 18 years old received 100 mg/day either saffron supplement in the intervention group (n = 33) or matched placebo in the placebo group (n = 33) for a period of 12 weeks. Sixty-one patients (30 in the control and 31 in the saffron group) remained for the final analysis. No adverse effects were reported by the patients. Saffron supplementation significantly decreased the number of tender (-1.38 ± 1.66 vs. 0.10 ± 0.40, p < .001) and swollen (-2.12 ± 2.34 vs. 0.63 ± 2.79, p < .001) joints, pain intensity based on visual analogue scale (-18.36 ± 15.07 vs. -2.33 ± 5.04), p < .001), and disease activity score (DAS28) (-0.75 ± 0.67 vs. 0.26 ± 0.77, p < .001) at the end of intervention between the two groups and in saffron group compared with baseline values. Physician Global Assessment (p = .002) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were significantly improved after intervention (24.06 ± 12.66 vs. 32.00 ± 14.75, p = 0.028). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein reduced at the end of the intervention in the saffron group compared with baseline values (12.00 ± 7.40 vs. 8.82 ± 7.930, p = .004). Tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma, and malondialdehyde were decreased, and total antioxidant capacity were increased, but their differences between the two groups were not significant (p > .05). According to the results, saffron supplements could positively and significantly improve clinical outcomes in RA patients.

Beneficial effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in ocular pathologies, particularly neurodegenerative retinal diseases.

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) has been traditionally used in food preparation and as a medicinal plant. It currently has numerous therapeutic properties attributed to it, such as protection against ischemia, as well as anticonvulsant, antidepressant, anxiolytic, hypolipidemic, anti-atherogenic, anti-hypertensive, antidiabetic, and anti-cancer properties. In addition, saffron has remarkable beneficial properties, such as anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, due to its main metabolites, among which crocin and crocetin stand out. Furthermore, increasing evidence underwrites the possible neuroprotective role of the main bioactive saffron constituents in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, both in experimental models and in clinical studies in patients. Currently, saffron supplementation is being tested for ocular neurodegenerative pathologies, such as diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma, among others, and shows beneficial effects. The present article provides a comprehensive and up to date report of the investigations on the beneficial effects of saffron extracts on the main neurodegenerative ocular pathologies and other ocular diseases. This review showed that saffron extracts could be considered promising therapeutic agents to help in the treatment of ocular neurodegenerative diseases.

Antioxidant Saffron and Central Retinal Function in ABCA4-Related Stargardt Macular Dystrophy.

Retinal oxidative damage, associated with an ATP-binding cassette, sub-family A, member 4, also known as ABCA4 gene mutation, has been implicated as a major underlying mechanism for Stargardt disease/fundus flavimaculatus (STG/FF). Recent findings indicate that saffron carotenoid constituents crocins and crocetin may counteract retinal oxidative damage, inflammation and protect retinal cells from apoptosis. This pilot study aimed to evaluate central retinal function following saffron supplementation in STG/FF patients carrying ABCA4 mutations. Methods: in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01278277), 31 patients with ABCA4-related STG/FF and a visual acuity >0.25 were randomly assigned to assume oral saffron (20 mg) or placebo over a six month period and then reverted to P or S for a further six month period. Full ophthalmic examinations, as well as central 18° focal electroretinogram (fERG) recordings, were performed at baseline and after six months of either saffron or placebo. The fERG fundamental harmonic component was isolated by Fourier analysis. Main outcome measures were fERG amplitude (in µV) and phase (in degrees). The secondary outcome measure was visual acuity. Results: supplement was well tolerated by all patients throughout follow-up. After saffron, fERG amplitude was unchanged; after placebo, amplitude tended to decrease from baseline (mean change: −0.18 log µV, p < 0.05). Reverting the treatments, amplitude did not change significantly. fERG phase and visual acuity were unchanged throughout follow-up. Conclusions: short-term saffron supplementation was well tolerated and had no detrimental effects on the electroretinographic responses of the central retina and visual acuity. The current findings warrant further long-term clinical trials to assess the efficacy of saffron supplementation in slowing down the progression of central retinal dysfunction in ABCA4-related STG/FF.

Effects Of Saffron Supplementation On Inflammation And Metabolic Responses In Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

BackgroundType 2 diabetes (T2D) is accompanied by elevated inflammation, oxidative stress, hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia which all contribute to cardiovascular disease pathogenesis. Saffron as a complementary medicine and source of antioxidants could play a role in alleviating diabetes and its complications. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of saffron supplementation as an adjunct therapy in T2D.Patients and methodsThis randomized controlled trial included 80 T2D patients with a mean age of 54.1 years. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups to take either saffron tablets (100 mg/day; n=40) or placebo (n=40) for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples were obtained at the beginning and after the intervention period to quantify glycemic factors, lipid profile, and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Anthropometric indices and dietary intakes were also measured at baseline and at study end.ResultsCompared with placebo, saffron supplementation resulted in significant decreases in waist circumference (p<0.001) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (p=0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in other indices, including anthropometric parameters, serum insulin, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, insulin sensitivity indices, lipid profile, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, total antioxidant capacity, and tumor necrosis factor-α between the study groups (p>0.05).ConclusionOverall, 12 weeks of saffron supplementation in diabetic patients had beneficial effects on waist circumference and serum MDA levels. However, saffron did not influence other evaluated cardio metabolic risk markers in diabetic patients.

Effect of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on lipid profile, glycemic indices and antioxidant status among overweight/obese prediabetic individuals: A double-blinded, randomized controlled trial

To investigate the effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on lipid profile, glycemic and antioxidant status in overweight/obese individuals with prediabetes. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, the prediabetic patients were randomly assigned to receive saffron (15mg/d) pills or placebo for eight weeks. Serum levels of lipid profile, fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and diphenylpycrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity were assessed biochemically at baseline and at 8 weeks after treatment. The adverse events, if any, were also recorded. Seventy-five of participants (36 in treatment and 39 in placebo groups) completed the study. Within-group comparisons revealed a significant effect of saffron supplementation on FBS (118.11±3.55 vs. 109.14±6.23), HbA1c (5.85±0.12 vs. 5.70±0.11), and DPPH (11.06±3.24 vs. 13.46±3.33) levels (P<0.005 for all). In adjusting models, there was a significant reduction in FBS by-7.97mg/dL, and HbA1c by-0.15% in saffron group compared to placebo. Moreover, saffron intake tended to increase in DPPH radical scavenging activity (2.4% vs.-0.85% in saffron and placebo groups, respectively). However, no significant changes in anthropometric measures, lipid profile, and renal markers were observed after saffron intake compared with placebo. Saffron supplementation could improve glycemic and antioxidant indices in overweight/obese individuals with prediabetes, however, no beneficial effect was observed on lipid profile and anthropometric parameters. (IRCT20120913010826N19).

Saffron: A Multitask Neuroprotective Agent for Retinal Degenerative Diseases.

Both age related macular degeneration (AMD) and light induced retinal damage share the common major role played by oxidative stress in the induction/progression of degenerative events. Light damaged (LD) rats have been widely used as a convenient model to gain insight into the mechanisms of degenerative disease, to enucleate relevant steps and to test neuroprotectants. Among them, saffron has been shown to ameliorate degenerative processes and to regulate many genes and protective pathways. Saffron has been also tested in AMD patients. We extended our analysis to a possible additional effect regulated by saffron and compared in AMD patients a pure antioxidant treatment (Lutein/zeaxanthin) with saffron treatment. Methods: Animal model. Sprague-Dawley (SD) adult rats, raised at 5 lux, were exposed to 1000 lux for 24 h and then either immediately sacrificed or placed back at 5 lux for 7 days recovery period. A group of animals was treated with saffron. We performed in the animal model: (1) SDS-PAGE analysis; (2) Western Blotting (3) Enzyme activity assay (4) Immunolabelling; in AMD patients: a longitudinal open-label study 29 (±5) months in two groups of patients: lutein/zeaxanthin (19) and saffron (23) treated. Visual function was tested every 8 months by ERG recordings in addition to clinical examination. Results: Enzymatic activity of MMP-3 is reduced in LD saffron treated retinas and is comparable to control as it is MMP-3 expression. LD treated retinas do not present “rosettes” and microglia activation and migration is highly reduced. Visual function remains stable in saffron treated AMD patients while deteriorates in the lutein/zeaxanthin group. Conclusion: Our results provide evidence of an additional way of action of saffron treatment confirming the complex nature of neuroprotective activities of its chemical components. Accordingly, long term follow-up in AMD patients reveals an added value of saffron supplementation treatment compared to classical antioxidant protocol.

Effect of saffron supplementation on symptoms of depression and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) has gained interest as a potential treatment in psychiatry. This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to investigate the effect of saffron supplementation, as both an adjunctive therapy and monotherapy, on symptoms of depression and anxiety in clinical and general populations compared with pharmacotherapy or placebo. Using the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature review of randomized controlled trials was conducted. A meta-analysis was conducted to determine treatment effect. Risk of bias was assessed using the Jadad scale. Twenty-three studies were included. Saffron had a large positive effect size when compared with placebo for depressive symptoms (g = 0.99, P < 0.001) and anxiety symptoms (g = 0.95, P < 0.006). Saffron also had a large positive effect size when used as an adjunct to antidepressants for depressive symptoms (g = 1.23, P = 0.028). Egger's regression test found evidence of publication bias. Saffron could be an effective intervention for symptoms of depression and anxiety; however,due to evidence of publication bias and lack of regional diversity, further trials are required. PROSPERO registration CRD42017070060.

An evaluation of the effects of saffron supplementation on the asthma clinical symptoms and asthma severity in patients with mild and moderate persistent allergic asthma: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundAsthma is a heterogeneous disease which is usually associated with chronic airway inflammation. Saffron has anti-inflammatory effects and may has beneficial effects on asthma.HypothesisThe present study was intended to survey the effects of saffron supplementation on blood pressure, lipid profiles, basophils, eosinophils and clinical symptoms in patients with allergic asthma.Study designOur study was a clinical trial.MethodsSubjects (N = 80, 32 women and 48 men, 41.25 ± 9.87 years old) with mild and moderate allergic asthma were randomized into two groups: the intervention group who received two capsules of saffron (100 mg/d), and the control group who received two capsules of placebo for 8 weeks. SPSS software (version 16.0) was used for the data analysis.ResultsSaffron improved the frequency of clinical symptoms of the patients (i.e., frequency of the shortness of breath during the day and night time, use of salbutamol spray, waking up due to asthma symptoms and activity limitation) in comparison to the placebo (p < 0.001). Besides, asthma severity decreased almost significantly in the saffron group (p = 0.07). It was also found that saffron, in comparison with the placebo, significantly reduced the systolic and diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein cholesterol. Moreover, eosinophils and basophils concentration reduced in the saffron group (p = 0.06 and 0.05 respectively).ConclusionSaffron seems to be an effective and safe option (in 8 weeks supplementation) to improve clinical symptoms of patients with allergic asthma but the toxicity and/or long-term effects of saffron intake are not known. Registration ID in IRCT (IRCT2017012132081N2).

The effect of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) supplementation on blood pressure, and renal and liver function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A double-blinded, randomized clinical trial.

Microalbuminuria and hypertension are the risk factors for diabetic nephropathy, and increased levels of liver enzymes are prevalent among diabetic patients. The aim of this research was to examine the effects of Crocus sativus supplementation on nephropathy indices, liver enzymes, and blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial was performed among 80 T2D patients. Subjects were randomly assigned to either Crocus sativus (n = 40) or placebo (n = 40) groups and treated with C. sativus and or placebo for 12 weeks, respectively. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum urea, creatinine, 24-hr urine albumin, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), physical activity, and dietary intakes were measured and blood samples were taken at baseline and after the 12‑week intervention to assess the differences between the two groups. C. sativus supplementation compared with the placebo resulted in a significant reduction of SBP (P<0.005). However, changes in other indices including liver enzymes, serum creatinine, serum urea, and 24-hr urine albumin, and DBP were not significantly different between the two groups (p>0.05). Also, no significant changes in dietary intakes and physical activity were seen between the two groups. This report shows that daily supplementation with 100 mg C. sativus powder improved SBP. However, it did not considerably improve DBP, nephropathy indices and liver functions in T2D patients after 12 weeks of administration.

Effect of Crocus Sativus Linnaeus (saffron) supplementations combined with circuit resistance training on total creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase MB levels in young untrained men

Summary Cardiovascular diseases are among the main cause of deaths in developing countries. This study aims to investigate the effect of circuit-resistance training with saffron supplementation on some cardiovascular risk factors in young untrained men. Twenty-three healthy untrained men participated in a randomized controlled, double blind study and were divided in two groups: placebo–training (PT, n = 11) and saffron stigma (sargoal)–training (ST, n = 12) groups. Participants were trained in a circuit-resistance training program (12 stations, 30 second/station) for 5 days/week for the duration of 2 weeks. The ST group received supplement in form of capsules (250 mg) twice per day (morning and immediately after each training session) while the PT group received water. Blood samples were taken 48 hours before and after the last training session to determine creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentrations. Statistical analysis showed that there were no significant differences in cardiovascular risk factor (P > 0.05) except for plasma levels of LDH (P = 0.025) between the two groups. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that the 2 weeks circuit-resistance program was able to induce significant changes in measurement variables and supplementation by saffron somewhat reinforced the effect of circuit-resistance training program.

Saffron therapy for the treatment of mild/moderate age-related macular degeneration: a randomised clinical trial

To assess the efficacy and safety of oral saffron, a natural antioxidant, in treating mild/moderate age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover trial of 100 adults (> 50years) with mild/moderate AMD and vision > 20/70 Snellen equivalent in at least one eye. Exclusion criteria included confounding visual lesions, or significant gastrointestinal disease impairing absorption. Participants were given oral saffron supplementation (20mg/day) for 3months or placebo for 3months, followed by crossover for 3months. Participants already consuming Age-Related Eye Diseases Study (AREDS) supplements or equivalent maintained these. Primary outcomes included changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and changes in multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) response density and latency. Secondary outcomes included safety outcomes and changes in mfERG and BCVA amongst participants on AREDS supplements. Mean BCVA improved 0.69 letters (p = 0.001) and mean-pooled mfERG latency reduced 0.17ms (p = 0.04) on saffron compared to placebo. Amongst participants on AREDS supplements, mean BCVA improved 0.73 letters p = 0.006) and mean-pooled mfERG response density improved 2.8% (p = 0.038). There was no significant difference in adverse event occurrence (p > 0.10). Saffron supplementation modestly improved visual function in participants with AMD, including those using AREDS supplements. Given the chronic nature of AMD, longer-term supplementation may produce greater benefits.

An evaluation of the effect of saffron supplementation on the antibody titer to heat-shock protein (HSP) 70, hsCRP and spirometry test in patients with mild and moderate persistent allergic asthma: A triple-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Asthma is a heterogeneous disease, which usually associated with chronic airway inflammation. The anti-heat shock protein (anti-HSP) 70 is a novel risk factor for asthma. The aim of the present study was to survey the effect of saffron supplementation on anti-HSP70, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and spirometry test in patients with allergic asthma. In this clinical trial, patients (N = 80, 32 women and 48 men, 18-65 years old) with mild and moderate allergic asthma were randomized into two groups: a group of patients who received two capsules of saffron (100 mg/d) and a control group who received two capsules of placebo for 8 weeks. Anti-HSP70, hs-CRP and spirometry test were determined in patients before (week 0) and after (week 8) intervention. SPSS software (version 16.0; Inc, Chicago, IL) was used for data analysis. Saffron in comparison with placebo significantly reduced the hs-CRP (p < 0.001) and anti-HSP70 (p < 0.001) concentrations. In spirometry test, forced expiratory volume in first second(FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio and forced expiratory flow 25-75%.(FEF 25-75) increased significantly in saffron in comparison to placebo group (p < 0.05). Results of the present study suggested that saffron supplementation in patients with allergic asthma decreased significantly anti-HSPs 70 and hs-CRP and also improved some spirometry test factors.

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Supplements Modulate Circulating MicroRNA (miR-21) in Atherosclerosis Patients; A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background: microRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous gene expression regulators, which are involved in the physiopathology of diseases, and potentially make biomarkers in diseases, such as Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Objectives: Since miR-21 is a robust regulator in plaque formation, this studyaimed at identifying the effect of saffron as a functional food and traditional food additive antioxidant in fighting against the progress of atherosclerosis, by modulation of miR-21, as a new circulating marker of inflammation. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind clinical trial, 63 subjects with atherosclerosis were recruited from Emam Sajjad Hospital, Valiasr Hospital, and Zafaranieyh Clinic in Tehran, Iran, and divided randomly to two groups. They received 100 mg/d saffron or a placebo capsule for six weeks. The expression levels of miR-21 were quantified by real-time quantitative-PCR (RT-qPCR) in the blood of patients. Furthermore, fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, and anthropometric index of participants were evaluated before and after the intervention. Results: Statistical analysis showed significant differences in the expression level of miR-21 between atherosclerosis patients, who received placebo, and those, who consumed saffron (P value = 0.02). Moreover, a significant decrease was seen in hip circumference after saffron supplementation (P = 0.049, P = 0.006). Nevertheless, consumption of saffron did not significantly influence other anthropometric indexes and blood biochemical parameters, such as FBS and lipid profile. Conclusions: In the present study, different expression levels of miR-21 were observed between patients with atherosclerosis, who received saffron supplements and placebo; thus saffron may be considered as a novel therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease management.

Effect of saffron on serum leptin levels in patients with metabolic syndrome, a double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial study

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. A decreased level of serum leptin is reported for obese populations. Beneficial effects of saffron on human health, including appetite-regulation, have been reported previously. The aim of this study was to investigating the effect of saffron supplementation on serum leptin levels in patients with metabolic syndrome. Material and method: Patients with metabolic syndrome were randomly divided into two groups; a case group, receiving saffron and a control group, receiving placebo. Concentration of serum leptin was measured at baseline and after 12 weeks of the start of study. SPSS software was used to analyze the data. Results: There was a borderline (p=0.05) significant difference in serum leptin before and after treatment with saffron, but not in the placebo group. There was a significant difference in serum leptin concentrations between the groups (p=0.001). Conclusion: Saffron supplementation has no significant effect on serum leptin levels in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Pre-supplementation of Crocus sativus Linn (saffron) attenuates inflammatory and lipid peroxidation markers induced by intensive exercise in sedentary women

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of Crocus sativus Linn (saffron) in relation to intensive exercise need to be studied. This study aimed to investigate the effect of four weeks of saffron supplementation on serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), as a marker of inflammation, malondialdehyde (MDA), as a marker of lipid peroxidation, and levels of Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK), as two markers of muscle damage, in sedentary women following intensive exercise. After a 4-week period of supplementation (30 mg/day), the healthy inactive young women performed one bout of acute resistance exercises at 85 % of one-repetition maximum. Using commercial kits, TNF-α and MDA levels were measured using ELISA method. In addition, LDH and CK were measured by photometric method. Data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA (P<0.05). Our finding showed a significant increases in serum LDH (P=0.015), CK (P=0.001), TNF-a (P=0.001) and MDA (P=0.001) levels following one bout of resistance exercise. However, saffron supplementation prevent from increases in LDH (P=0.999), CK (P=0.935), TNF-a (P=0.898) and MDA (P=0.617) levels induced by one bout of resistance exercise. Although, intensive resistance exercise increases muscle damage enzymes, inflammatory and lipid peroxidation markers, however, pre-supplementation of saffron returns these markers to baseline levels. Therefore, it can be concluded that saffron supplementation acts as anti-oxidative and anti-inflammation agent, making it advisable to athletes and coaches involved in intensive resistance exercises.

Neuroprotective properties of dietary saffron: more than just a chemical scavenger?

Neuroprotective properties of dietary saffron: more than just a chemical scavenger?

The impact of saffron (Crocus sativus) supplementation on visual function in patients with dry age-related macular degeneration

The aim was to evaluate the impact of saffron supplementation on visual function in patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Fifty-four participants, 23 male and 31 female, with dry ARMD were assigned to one of the following two groups. The treatment group (n=29) consumed 50 mg saffron daily during a 3- month period, while 25 subjects served as the control group. Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and retinal thickness were measured at the beginning and at the end of the study. Quality of life was evaluated using the Melbourne Low Vision Index (MLVI) before and after treatment. Significant increases in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were found in the saffron group but not in the control group. Changes in macular thickness were not statistically different between the two groups. Short-term consumption of saffron may slow down the progression of disease and improve visual function, especially contrast sensitivity, in patients with dry ARMD.

Saffron (Crocus sativus) pretreatment confers cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injuries in isolated rabbit heart.

Restoration of blood flow to the ischemic myocardium is imperative to avoid demise of cardiomyocytes, but is paradoxically associated with irreversible damage to cardiac tissues due to the excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We have previously reported that saffron, a natural antioxidant, attenuated ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injuries in vitro; however, its role in a meaningful cardiac recovery remains unknown. Here, we show that saffron supplement (oral administration for 6weeks) reduced myocardial damage and restored cardiac function in an IR model of rabbit hearts. This was evidenced by improved left ventricle pressure, heart rate and coronary flow, and left ventricle end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) in IR hearts (isolated from rabbits pre-exposed to saffron (S/IR)). Electrophysiological recordings revealed a significant decline in both premature ventricle contraction and ventricle tachycardia/fibrillation in S/IR compared to IR hearts. This was paralleled by increased expression of the contractile proteins α-actinin and Troponin C in the myocardium of S/IR hearts. Histological examination combined to biochemical analysis indicated that hearts pre-exposed to saffron exhibited reduced infarct size, lower lipid peroxidation, with increased glutathione peroxidase activity, and oxidation of nitro blue tetrazolium (by reactive oxygen species). Furthermore, in contrast with IR hearts, saffron pretreatment induced restoration of the phosphorylation level of the survival proteins Akt and 4EBP1 and reduced activity of p38. Collectively, our data demonstrate that the natural antioxidant saffron plays a pivotal role in halting IR-associated cardiac injuries and emerges as a novel preventive tool for ischemic heart disease.

Potential Ergogenic Effects of Saffron

ABSTRACTCrocus sativus, commonly known as saffron, is a rich source of carotenoids with many health benefits. The muscular strength, pulmonary function, and reaction time are vital to the athlete's performance, and this study aimed to investigate an ergogenic effect of saffron. Twenty-eight nonactive and healthy male university students were randomly assigned into the saffron (n = 14) and control (n = 15) groups. The experimental group received dried saffron stigma (300 mg/day for 10 days) and the control group received a placebo. After one session, familiarization with the tests, anthropometric parameters, visual and audio reaction times, and the maximum isometric and isotonic forces on a leg press machine were measured accordingly, 1 day before and after the supplementation period. This study shows that 10 days of supplementation with saffron significantly increased (10.1%) the isometric force (p < .0001; effect size (EF) = 0.432) and increased 6.1% the isotonic force (p < .0001; effect size = 0.662), as well as effecting faster visual (p < .05; EF = 0.217) and audio (p < .05; EF = 0.214) reaction times. The ergogenic effect of saffron (increase in the forces) may contribute to increase in the muscle mitochondrial biogenesis and positive effect on the motor cortex, both of which may explain faster audio and visual reaction times. Saffron supplementation was also possibly responsible for improvement of muscle blood perfusion and facilitation in the oxygen transport.

Saffron (its active constituent, crocin) supplementation attenuates lipid peroxidation and protects against tissue injury.

The aim of the current study was to investigate the outcomes in a rat model of an acute swimming exercise induced oxidative stress in brain, kidney, liver, skeletal and cardiac muscles using supplementation with crocin. Rats were divided into the eight groups; Normal Control (NC: Untreated and did not swim), Crocin Control (CC: Received crocin and did not swim), Exercise-1 (E-1: Untreated and swam), Exercise-24 (E-24: Untreated and swam), Exercise-48 (E-48: Untreated and swam), Exercise+Crocin-1 (EC-1: Received crocin and swam), Exercise+Crocin-24 (EC-24: Received crocin and swam), Exercise+Crocin-48 (EC-48: Received crocin and swam). The malondialdehyde (MDA) and xanthine oxidase (XO) enzymes levels increased after swimming in untreated and crocin treated groups, but there was a lower increase in crocin treated groups. The highest MDA levels in all tissues were observed in E-1 compared to all other groups. There were significant differences between control and exercise groups in MDA levels of tissues (p < 0.001). In contrast, there were significant differences between control and exercise groups in glutathione (GSH) levels of tissues.In addition, the crocin supplementation significantly increased GSH levels and decreased MDA and XO enzyme levels when compared to untreated exercise groups. Crocin can protect the tissues against exercise induced oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant activity (Tab. 3, Fig. 1, Ref. 37).