Saffron supplementation effects on glycemic indices: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials

Abstract

Existing evidence on the possible effects of saffron on glycemic indices were inconclusive. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to clarify the effects of saffron supplementation on glycemic indices, including fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) among both diabetic and nondiabetic patients. A systematic literature search of online databases PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of science and Cochrane's library was conducted up to August 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of saffron supplementation on glycemic indices in adults were included. A total of 15 trials involving 1139 participants were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Saffron supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in FBS (WMD = −5.26 mg/dL; 95% CI: −10.08 to −0.44; I 2 = 89.7%), HbA1c (WMD = −0.15%; 95% CI, −0.28 to −0.02; I 2 = 79.4%,), fasting insulin (WMD = 0.12 mIU/L; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.20; I 2 = 26.6%), and an increase in QUICKI (WMD = 0.01; 95% CI, 0.001 to 0.009; I 2 = 78.4%) compared to control. Saffron supplementation could not reduce HOMA-IR significantly (SMD = −0.21; 95% CI, −0.45 to 0.02; I 2 = 0.0%). Saffron supplements may be beneficial to improve glyceamic indices. Therefore, saffron could be considered as a valuable adjuvant therapy regarding glycemic control of patients.

The effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in conjunction with concurrent training on body composition, glycaemic status, and inflammatory markers in obese men with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized double‐blind clinical trial

“…The activation of AMPK promotes GLUT4, which leads to the improvement of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. 51 Physical activity is considered a beneficial strategy with antiinflammatory properties, which reduces the risk of inflammatoryrelated diseases. 1 The concomitant integration of RT and AT within a periodized training program is termed 'concurrent training' or circuit training.…”

The Role of Bioactive Compounds from Dietary Spices in the Management of Metabolic Syndrome: An Overview

“…In a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study, supplementation of saffron tablets in 40 type-2 diabetic patients vs. 40 control subjects for 12 weeks, reduced waist circumference and malondialdehyde levels, although no changes were noted in blood glucose levels, lipid profiles, C-reactive protein, and pro-inflammatory marker tumor necrosis factor [ 135 ]. However, in a systematic and meta-analysis study of 15 randomized controlled trials involving 1139 subjects, saffron was shown to decrease glycemic indices including FBS, HbA1c, and fasting insulin, and increased quantitative insulin sensitivity check index [ 136 ].…”

The therapeutic potential of Crocus sativus Linn.: A comprehensive narrative review of clinical trials

“…It is a commonly consumed spice for flavoring, aromatizing, and coloring food in different parts of the world (Ghaffari & Roshanravan, 2019;Kang et al, 2012). The beneficial effects of saffron can be attributed to a number of components in its stigmas, including crocetin (a carotenoid derivative), crocin (a 20-carbon diglycosidic ester of crocetin), picrocrocin (a colorless glycoside responsible for the bitter taste of saffron), safranal (a volatile oil responsible for the saffron aroma), anthocyanins, and flavonoids (Bathaie & Mousavi, 2010;Sohaei et al, 2020). Besides these components, amino acids, proteins, starch, vitamins (such as riboflavin and thiamine), minerals, and gums are other chemical compounds of saffron (Bathaie et al, 2014).…”