Saffron Agronomy and Technology

Saffron Agronomy and Technology

The Eight-Week Effect of Oral Administration of Fran-Zar Syrup ( a Saffron-Based Formulation) on Lipoprotein Profile and Inflammatory Markers in Adults with Obesity: A Pre–Post Study

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Somayeh Farahmand 1
Shahram Ahmadi 1
Zahra Al-Dawoodi 2
1 Assistant Prof., Department of Biology, Payame Noor University (PNU), Tehran, Iran
2 MSc. Department of Biology, Payame Noor University (PNU), Tehran, Iran
10.22048/jsat.2025.543545.1570
Abstract
Obesity, as a complex metabolic disorder with a high prevalence, is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, atherogenic dyslipidemia, and chronic systemic inflammation. Chronic inflammation in adipose tissue, through elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, exacerbates insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction. Identifying nutritional or pharmacological interventions capable of simultaneously modulating lipid profile and inflammation is of significant clinical importance. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of daily supplementation with Fran-Zar syrup (compound saffron formulation) on lipid profile and the inflammatory marker ESR in individuals with obesity. In this interventional trial, 56 obese participants (BMI ≥ 30) received 10 mL of Fran-Zar syrup daily for eight weeks. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after the intervention to measure total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL, and ESR. The syrup consisted of saffron (Crocus sativus L). extract, rich in crocin, crocetin, and safranal, combined with grape syrup (Vitis vinifera L), a natural source of flavonoids and anthocyanins. Results showed that after eight weeks, levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL were significantly reduced, while HDL increased significantly. Moreover, ESR levels declined markedly. These findings indicate a synergistic effect of bioactive compounds in saffron and grape syrup on improving lipid status and reducing systemic inflammation. Fran-Zar syrup (compound saffron formulation) may serve as a natural and safe supplement to improve lipid profile and modulate inflammation in individuals with obesity. Further randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm these results.
Keywords
Anthocyanins
Crocin
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Flavonoids
Oxidative stress
Systemic inflammation

Subjects