Pre-supplementation of Crocus sativus Linn (saffron) attenuates inflammatory and lipid peroxidation markers induced by intensive exercise in sedentary women

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of Crocus sativus Linn (saffron) in relation to intensive exercise need to be studied. This study aimed to investigate the effect of four weeks of saffron supplementation on serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), as a marker of inflammation, malondialdehyde (MDA), as a marker of lipid peroxidation, and levels of Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK), as two markers of muscle damage, in sedentary women following intensive exercise. After a 4-week period of supplementation (30 mg/day), the healthy inactive young women performed one bout of acute resistance exercises at 85 % of one-repetition maximum. Using commercial kits, TNF-α and MDA levels were measured using ELISA method. In addition, LDH and CK were measured by photometric method. Data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA (P<0.05). Our finding showed a significant increases in serum LDH (P=0.015), CK (P=0.001), TNF-a (P=0.001) and MDA (P=0.001) levels following one bout of resistance exercise. However, saffron supplementation prevent from increases in LDH (P=0.999), CK (P=0.935), TNF-a (P=0.898) and MDA (P=0.617) levels induced by one bout of resistance exercise. Although, intensive resistance exercise increases muscle damage enzymes, inflammatory and lipid peroxidation markers, however, pre-supplementation of saffron returns these markers to baseline levels. Therefore, it can be concluded that saffron supplementation acts as anti-oxidative and anti-inflammation agent, making it advisable to athletes and coaches involved in intensive resistance exercises.