Saffron Agronomy and Technology
In collaboration Iranian Medicinal Plants Society

The effect of saffron pill uses on some serum blood factors in individuals with metabolic syndrome

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Tayebeh Kermani 1
Maryam Navabzadeh 2
Mohammad Khodashenas rudsari 3
Shima Heydari 4

1 Ph.D, associate professor of anatomical sciences, department of anatomical sciences, school of medicine, Birjand university of medical sciences, birjand, Iran

2 M.D., Ph.D, Iranian medicine specialist, outpatient alternative medicine clinic of BUMS research center, towhid square, birjand, Iran

3 M.D., Assistant professor of internal medicine,Department of internal medicine, Ramsar international campus,Mazandaran university of medical sciences, Ramsar, Iran

4 M.D., Assistant professor of internal medicine, department of internal medicine, school of medicine, Torbate Heydarieh university of medical sciences, Torbate Heydarieh, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22048/jsat.2025.450596.1528
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. In the United States, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome is 34% for men and 35% for women. In response to the growing interest in alternative medicine worldwide, we conducted an investigation to assess the potential efficacy of Crocus sativus (saffron) in treating metabolic syndrome. In a randomized, controlled, single-blind efficacy trial featuring three treatment groups, we randomly assigned 77 patients meeting the International Diabetes Foundation criteria for metabolic syndrome, aged 18 or older, to receive either saffron juice or placebo tablets. This study was conducted at the outpatient clinic of the CAM Research Center of Birjand University of Medical Sciences BUMS. We measured serum total cholesterol, serum LDL cholesterol, serum HDL cholesterol, serum triglyceride levels, fasting blood sugar, and hematocrit before and after 45 days of treatment. The results revealed that both the saffron and placebo groups exhibited significant reductions in serum total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels compared to their baseline measurements (P<0.001). These findings suggest that saffron, combined with positive thoughts, may have a therapeutic impact on metabolic syndrome. Further scientifically designed comprehensive clinical studies in this domain hold the promise of yielding promising results.

Keywords

metabolic syndrome
saffron
placebo effect
mood
humoral medicine
Subjects
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