Effect of crocin of Crocus sativus L. on serum inflammatory markers (IL-6 and TNF-α) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

Different factors, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, extracellular matrix degradation and apoptosis affect the pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as a progressive disease characterized by permanent airflow limitation. Herbal supplements with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help treat certain chronic diseases. This study aimed at investigating the preventive effects of Crocin supplementation on the serum concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), exercise capacity and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in patients with COPD. The present prospective randomized clinical trial equally divided 57 patients with COPD into a placebo and an intervention group, who respectively received a placebo and Crocin (15 mg twice day for 12 weeks) as a supplement. ELISA was used to measure serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, also PFTs and exercise capacity based on 6-minute walking distance test (6MWD), was performed at the beginning and end of the study. Crocin improved the results of PFTs (p < 0.05) and 6-MWD (p < 0.001) and exerted preventive effects by increasing the serum levels of IL-6 in patients with COPD compared to those in the placebo group (p < 0.05). Intervention with crocin significantly lowered serum levels of TNF-α at the end of the study (p < 0.01). The present findings suggest crocin supplementation improves exercise capacity and PFTs in patients with COPD by reducing serum levels of inflammatory factors.