Effects of crocin supplementation on inflammatory markers, lipid profiles, insulin and cardioprotective indices in women with PCOS: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial reproductive condition common in women of reproductive age. Hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, obesity, and chronic low‐grade inflammation are associated with PCOS. In a clinical trial study, women with PCOS were divided into two groups (n = 25 each): the intervention group receiving crocin (15 mg, twice daily) and the control group receiving a placebo. The duration of intervention in both groups was 12 weeks. Pre‐ and postintervention, demographic information, lipid profile, fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin, and inflammatory markers (interleukin‐6 [IL‐6] and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha [TNF‐α]) were measured. Intervention with crocin significantly increased the mean high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol postintervention compared to the placebo group, while exerting a suppressive effect on the increase in mean low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. Intervention with crocin also exerted inhibitory effects on changes in FBG and insulin, so that crocin improved insulin and cardioprotective indices. Finally, despite the increased inflammatory markers (IL‐6 and TNF‐α) in the placebo group, crocin treatment had protective effects on their increased changes. Thus, crocin supplementation could be considered in the therapeutic targets of women with PCOS.

Effect of saffron supplementation on oxidative stress markers (MDA, TAC, TOS, GPx, SOD, and pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance): An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials

“…The results of the current meta-analysis are consistent with preclinical studies of the effectiveness of active saffron components such as crocin, crocetin, and safranal ( 63 ). Beneficial effects of crocin have been reported in various disorders such as asthma, COPD, PCOS, gastritis, and hepatitis ( 16 , 17 , 64 ). By upregulating the expression of mitochondrial antioxidant genes, crocin reduced ROS formation, decreased lipid peroxidation levels and MDA levels, increased TAC, and modified TOS ( 65 ).…”

“…Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a Mediterranean plant with nutritional and therapeutic uses. Animal and human studies have reported the beneficial therapeutic effects of saffron and its biologically active compounds (crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin, and safranal) in a variety of disorders, such as COPD, asthma, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and cancer (13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19). One of the important properties of saffron is its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.…”

An In Vitro Study of Saffron Carotenoids: The Effect of Crocin Extracts and Dimethylcrocetin on Cancer Cell Lines

“…Adult patients suffering from mild-to-moderate depression and anxiety, when receiving 30–100 mg of dried saffron stigma in 4, 6, 8 or 12-week trials, demonstrated mild significant side effects, which resolved spontaneously, without any intervention [ 149 , 150 , 151 , 152 , 153 , 154 , 155 ]. Similarly, capsules of SAE, and/or CRCs were well tolerated in doses of 15 mg twice daily for 12 weeks in patients suffering from COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), depression or schizophrenia [ 154 , 156 , 157 , 158 ]. Patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) who received saffron extract (30 mg/day) capsules for 12 months benefited significantly, in terms of cognitive improvement and management of associated neuropsychiatric disturbances, without adverse events [ 159 , 160 ].…”

Insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome across various tissues: an updated review of pathogenesis, evaluation, and treatment

“…Astragalus polysaccharides may improve insulin sensitivity in PCOS model rats by upregulating serum adiponectin levels and it may play an important role in the treatment of IR [204]. In clinical trial studies, saffron had a significant protective effect on FBG, HOMA-IR, and inflammatory levels of women with PCOS [205,206]. Pharmacological studies have also found that hehuan yin tang and yijing tang, as key components of various TCM prescriptions, can regulate androgen and insulin levels and improve PCOS-IR symptoms through various pharmacological pathways [207,223].…”