Effect of crocin of Crocus sativus L. on serum inflammatory markers (IL-6 and TNF-α) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

Different factors, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, extracellular matrix degradation and apoptosis affect the pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as a progressive disease characterized by permanent airflow limitation. Herbal supplements with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help treat certain chronic diseases. This study aimed at investigating the preventive effects of Crocin supplementation on the serum concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), exercise capacity and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in patients with COPD. The present prospective randomized clinical trial equally divided 57 patients with COPD into a placebo and an intervention group, who respectively received a placebo and Crocin (15 mg twice day for 12 weeks) as a supplement. ELISA was used to measure serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, also PFTs and exercise capacity based on 6-minute walking distance test (6MWD), was performed at the beginning and end of the study. Crocin improved the results of PFTs (p < 0.05) and 6-MWD (p < 0.001) and exerted preventive effects by increasing the serum levels of IL-6 in patients with COPD compared to those in the placebo group (p < 0.05). Intervention with crocin significantly lowered serum levels of TNF-α at the end of the study (p < 0.01). The present findings suggest crocin supplementation improves exercise capacity and PFTs in patients with COPD by reducing serum levels of inflammatory factors.

The Effectiveness of Supplementation with Key Vitamins, Minerals, Antioxidants and Specific Nutritional Supplements in COPD—A Review

“…Crocin significantly improved the respiratory function tests, exercise tolerance of patients (6MWD) and serum levels of IL-6 compared to the placebo group, and significantly reduced the patients’ serum TNF-α levels compared to the placebo group. Their results suggest that crocin supplementation improves exercise capacity and respiratory function in COPD patients with reduced serum levels of inflammatory factors [ 56 ] ( Table 3 ).…”

“…Crocin significantly improved the respiratory function tests, exercise tolerance of patients (6MWD) and serum levels of IL-6 compared to the placebo group, and significantly reduced the patients' serum TNF-α levels compared to the placebo group. Their results suggest that crocin supplementation improves exercise capacity and respiratory function in COPD patients with reduced serum levels of inflammatory factors [56] (Table 3). 6MWT: 6 min walking distance; AMPK: adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase; SIRT1: Sirtuin 1; PGC-1α: peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator (PGC)-1 alpha; COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; TOS: total oxidant status; NF-κB: nuclear factor kappa B; TAOC: total antioxidant capacity; OPC: oligomeric proanthocyanidin; TBARS: thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances; PC: protein carbonyl; IL-6: interleukin-6; TNF-α: tumor necrosis factor-α; SOD: superoxide dismutase; CAT: catalase; GSH: glutathione; GPx: glutathione peroxidase; PFT: pulmonary function test.…”

Saffron extract as an emerging novel therapeutic option in reproduction and sexual health: recent advances and future prospectives

“…Studies have suggested that saffron can help to reduce inflammation, making it a potential natural remedy for managing various inflammatory conditions. The active components of saffron, such as crocetin and crocin, are believed to contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects, which can benefit individuals with conditions characterized by inflammation, although specific studies on the role of saffron in inflammation are not covered in this particular research 51 , 52 . From this study, it is evident that dietary polyphenols, including Crocus sativus L. extract (saffron), are being studied for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).…”