The Effect of Hydro-alcoholic Extract of Saffron Stigma ( Crocus satious L.) on Metabolic Control Parameters, Liver Enzymes, and Renal Function Parameters in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Abstract

Background: Uncontrolled metabolic status of diabetes induces multiple complications, such as liver and renal dysfunctions. Saffron as an herbal medicine may improve diabetes metabolic control. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of saffron on metabolic control parameters, liver enzymes, and renal function parameters in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods: In this triple-blind clinical trial, 54 type 2 diabetic patients randomly consumed 15 mg saffron or placebo capsules twice a day for 8 weeks. The following measurements were made during the study: 1. Fasting and 2-hour blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, cholesterol, triglyceride, low and high density lipoproteins, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate and alanine amino transferase, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine; 2. Physical activity at the beginning and the end of the study; 3. dietary intakes at the beginning, midst, and end of the study; 4. anthropometric parameters every 2 weeks; 5. blood pressure every 2 weeks. The data were analyzed using the SPSS.18 software. Results: Fasting and 2-hour blood glucose, triglyceride, uric acid, and blood urea nitrogen decreased (35.5, 38.5, 0.62, and 4.5 mg/dl, respectively), and high density lipoprotein increased, significantly in the saffron group (P0.05). Conclusion: Saffron hydro-alcoholic extract may improve type 2 diabetic patients’ condition through helping control blood glucose and some of the lipid profiles components. It can also improve renal function, which may be related to its antioxidant properties.

Keywords

• blood glucose
• blood lipid
• liver enzyme
• renal function
• saffron