Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Nov 29, 2024 1 week, 5 days, 22 hours, 15 minutes ago
Herbs And Phytochemicals: Diabetes is a growing global health concern, affecting millions worldwide. With modern medicine striving to manage the disease, natural remedies like saffron (Crocus sativus L.) are being studied for their therapeutic potential. A recent study conducted by researchers from institutions such as Bogomolets National Medical University in Ukraine, Islamic Azad University in Iran, and Tehran University of Medical Sciences aimed to explore the impact of saffron on health markers in diabetic and prediabetic overweight individuals.
Saffron and Its Role in Improving Health in Diabetic and Prediabetic Patients
This
Herbs And Phytochemicals news report delves into the findings of their comprehensive review and meta-analysis, which synthesized data from 15 clinical trials involving 869 participants. Their goal was to determine if saffron supplementation could serve as a beneficial addition to the management of diabetes and its associated risks.
Key Findings on Glycemic Control
The analysis revealed that saffron had significant effects on key markers of glycemic control. Participants who supplemented with saffron showed a notable reduction in fasting blood sugar (FBS) by an average of 8.75 mg/dL. This reduction highlights saffron's potential role in stabilizing blood sugar levels. Additionally, there was a decrease in HbA1C levels by 0.34%, further indicating improved long-term blood glucose management.
However, saffron supplementation did not significantly influence insulin secretion or insulin resistance markers such as HOMA-IR. This suggests that while saffron aids in reducing blood sugar levels, it may not directly affect insulin functionality.
Effects on Lipid Profile and Blood Pressure
Saffron's impact on lipid profiles was mixed. It significantly reduced triglycerides (TG) by 13.28 mg/dL but did not show notable changes in total cholesterol (TC), LDL (bad cholesterol), or HDL (good cholesterol) levels. These results align with previous studies suggesting that while saffron may lower certain lipid levels, its overall impact on lipid metabolism requires further investigation.
In terms of blood pressure, saffron supplementation led to a meaningful reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) by 5.33 mmHg. However, its effect on diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was not statistically significant, reflecting the need for longer studies to better understand its cardiovascular benefits.
Liver Enzymes and Anti-inflammatory Properties
The study showed that saffron significantly reduced aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, an important marker of liver health. While alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels did not exhibit significant changes, the findings support saffron's potential in promoting liver function. Its antioxidant properties, driven by active compounds like crocin and crocetin, might play a role in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Interestingly, saffron did not have a
marked effect on inflammatory markers such as TNF-α. Despite this, the herb's role in reducing oxidative stress could indirectly support overall health in diabetic and prediabetic individuals.
Mixed Results on Kidney Health
The study did not find significant effects of saffron supplementation on creatinine or blood urea nitrogen (BUN), markers of kidney function. This could imply that saffron's benefits are more pronounced in metabolic and cardiovascular health rather than renal health. However, earlier animal studies have suggested some potential protective effects on the kidneys, emphasizing the need for more targeted human research.
Broader Implications and Future Research
The findings suggest that saffron could be an effective complementary therapy for managing diabetes, particularly in improving glycemic control and some cardiovascular parameters. Its natural origin and antioxidant properties make it a promising candidate for inclusion in treatment plans, especially for patients seeking herbal alternatives.
However, the study also highlights the need for further research. The variations in dosage, duration, and study design across trials point to the importance of standardizing protocols for future investigations. Moreover, exploring the long-term effects of saffron on diverse populations could provide a clearer understanding of its full therapeutic potential.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study underscores saffron's potential as a natural supplement for managing diabetes and improving certain health markers. By significantly reducing fasting blood sugar, HbA1C, triglycerides, and systolic blood pressure, saffron demonstrates its capability to address some of the critical risk factors associated with diabetes. However, its limited effects on lipid profiles, insulin function, and renal markers indicate that it should be viewed as an adjunctive therapy rather than a standalone solution.
Future studies should focus on larger sample sizes, extended durations, and a more detailed examination of saffron's active compounds to establish comprehensive guidelines for its clinical use. Meanwhile, individuals interested in incorporating saffron into their health regimen should consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Diabetology and Metabolic Syndrome.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13098-024-01530-6
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