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

Abstract

Aims Chronic inflammation is one of the major challenges in the management of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our primary aim was to assess the anti‐inflammatory effects of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) supplementation and concurrent training in obese men with T2DM. Methods Sixty obese men with T2DM (age = 39 ± 5 years; body mass = 93.9 ± 6 kg) were randomly assigned to four groups; concurrent training + placebo (CT; n = 15), saffron supplementation (S; n = 15), concurrent training + saffron supplementation (CTS; n = 15), or control (CON; n = 15). The participants in the CT group performed concurrent training (resistance + aerobic) three times per week for 12 weeks and received daily one pill of placebo (maltodextrin); the participants in the S group supplemented with one pill of 100 mg of saffron daily, and the participants in the CTS group participated in both saffron and training intervention while CON group continued regular lifestyle (no training and no supplementation). Inflammatory markers, body composition (evaluated by a multi‐frequency bioelectrical impedance device; Jawon X‐Contact 356), and metabolic profile were evaluated before and after interventions. Results All three interventions significantly (P < .05) decreased TNF‐α (CT = −4.22, S = −1.91, CTS = −9.69 pg/mL), hs‐CRP (CT = −0.13, S = −0.1, CTS = −0.32 ng/mL), IL‐6 (CT = −6.84, S = −6.36, CTS = −13.55 pg/mL), IL‐1β (CT = −8.85, S = −6.46, CTS = −19.8 pg/mL), FBG (CT = −6.97, S = −2.45, CTS = −13.86 mg/dL), insulin (CT = −0.13, S = −0.03, CTS = −0.21 mU/L), HOMA‐IR (CT = −0.12, S = −0.04, CTS = −0.21), HbA1c (CT = −0.17, S = −0.11, CTS = −0.26%), and increased IL‐10 (CT = 1.09, S = 0.53, CTS = 2.27 pg/mL) concentrations. There was a positive correlation between changes in BFP with hs‐CRP, IL‐6, IL‐1β and TNF‐α, and IL‐10 concentrations across the intervention groups. Additionally, significant differences were observed between the changes for all variables in the CTS group compared to CT, S and CON groups (P < .05). Conclusion It seems that an interaction of saffron supplementation and concurrent training has more efficient effects on anti‐inflammatory status compared to saffron supplementation or concurrent training alone.

Effect of Aromatic Herbs and Spices Present in the Mediterranean Diet on the Glycemic Profile in Type 2 Diabetes Subjects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…The studies included a total of 2398 participants with an age range of between 30 and 70 years. Thirty studies recruited subjects with T2DM [ 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 , 79 , 80 , 81 , 82 , 83 , 84 , 85 , 86 , 87 , 88 , 89 , 90 , 91 , 92 , 93 , 94 , 95 , 96 ], one study included prediabetic and newly diagnosed diabetic subjects [ 97 ], and another study involved participants diagnosed with T2DM alongside obese individuals [ 98 ]. Eight studies reported a single-arm intervention in T2DM subjects, one supplemented with rosemary [ 70 ], three analyzed the effect of black cumin [ 74 , 76 , 98 ] on the glycemic profile, three supplemented with curcumin [ 77 , 81 , 82 ], and one examined the effect of ginger on the glycemic profile [ 89 ].…”

The current status of old traditional medicine introduced from Persia to China

“…With a limitation of extremely low yield and labor extensive handling, saffron production usually comes with high costs. However, it continuously attracts numerous studies for various health-related diseases in human subjects, such as inflammatory status of elderly hypertensive men ( Mojtahedi et al, 2022 ), obese men with type 2 diabetes mellitus ( Hooshmand Moghadam et al, 2022 ), chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy ( Bozorgi et al, 2021 ), and it has been shown to increase happiness as it reduces depression ( Moghadam et al, 2021 ). In Iran, the dried, red stigmas of the C. sativus are thought to be a stimulant with anti-spasmodic action and are also a favorite coloring spice in food ( Parsa, 1959b ).…”

Effect of saffron supplementation on the glycemic outcomes in diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…It has been demonstrated that saffron extract or crocin has the potential to improve glycemic profile in DM. A previous RCT reported that saffron supplementation significantly lowered FPG, HbA1c, insulin levels and HOMA-IR in obese men with T2DM (46). Another recent RCT revealed that 400 mg daily saffron supplementation in combination with 8 weeks aerobic training, could improve blood glucose, insulin levels and HOMA-IR in middle-aged overweight female patients with T2DM (47).…”