Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Improves Antioxidant Capacity and Inflammation in Subjects with COPD

by | Aug 24, 2022 | 2022, Antioxidants, Botanicals, Lung Health

Written by Taylor Woosley, Staff Writer. 12-week supplementation of 30 mg/day of crocin from saffron resulted in a significant decrease in serum NF-kB levels (p<0.05), along with an increase in mean serum TAOC levels in the crocin group (p < 0.05). 

lung x-rayChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major cause of mortality worldwide, contributing to 6% of global deaths1. In COPD, obstruction or limitation in airflow occurs due to emphysema, a mixture of small airway diseases, and in many cases asthma2. Risk factors include long-term smoking, chronic infection, environmental pollution, and genetics3. The pathogenesis of this disease involves repeated inflammatory stimulation and an abnormal inflammatory response4.

Plant medicines have long been used to treat numerous human diseases. Saffron is traditionally used as a spice and features a wide variety of components, including phenolic compounds, terpenoids, and amino acids5. There are four major pharmacologically active constituents of saffron, namely crocetin, picrocrocin, safranal, and crocin6. Crocin has been shown to possess antioxidant, cardioprotective, and anti-inflammation properties7. Furthermore, crocin was indicated to combat reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and suppress inflammation via regulating the nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) pathway8.

To better evaluate the effect of crocin from saffron on measures of oxidant/antioxidant and inflammatory markers in COPD patients, Ghobadi et al. conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Subject inclusion included having clinical criteria of COPD (shortness of breath, coughing) and spirometric findings (Forced expiratory volume (FEV1) <80% and FEV1/Forced vital capacity (FVC) < 70%). Exclusion criteria consisted of hospital stay during the last 3 months, incidence of lung disease other than COPD, infectious diseases, and patients with structured physical activity.

Patients were randomized divided into two groups (placebo and intervention, n=23 for both). The crocin group received 30 mg/day concentration for 12 weeks. The control group was given a placebo with the same form and concentration as the treatment. Primary outcomes include changes in serum levels of oxidant/antioxidant markers and NF-kB. Secondary outcomes were pulmonary function tests and a 6-min walking distance test (6MWD). Blood samples were obtained at the beginning and end of the study to assess serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), total oxidant status (TOS), and NF-kB using the ELISA technique. Paired t-test and Wilcoxon tests were performed to assess each group’s data before and after the intervention. Independent t-tests and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare data between placebo and intervention groups.

Study results after 12-week supplementation include significantly higher mean serum TAOC levels in the intervention group compared to placebo (p<0.05). Regarding serum KF-kB levels, the results of mean changes in the levels show a significant decrease in the Crocin-treated group compared to placebo (p<0.05).  Additionally, a significant increase was noted for the intervention group for mean changes of 6MWD (p<0.01).

Findings suggest that the robust anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of crocin from saffron may improve COPD symptoms related to inflammation and oxidative stress. Further studies are needed to better understand the exact mechanism of crocin on lung health. Study limitations include the use of an all-male subject group, the small sample size, and the need for a more extended intervention with saffron to observe the long-term effects on patients with COPD.

Source: Ghobadi, Hassan, Nasim Abdollahi, Hanieh Madani, and Mohammad Reza Aslani. “Effect of Crocin From Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Supplementation on Oxidant/Antioxidant Markers, Exercise Capacity, and Pulmonary Function Tests in COPD Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.” Frontiers in Pharmacology (2022): 1413.

Copyright © 2022 Ghobadi, Abdollahi, Madani and Aslani. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

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Posted August 24, 2022.

Taylor Woosley studied biology at Purdue University before becoming a 2016 graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a major in Writing. She currently resides in Glen Ellyn, IL.

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