Effects of Saffron on Serum Zinc, Copper and Superoxide Dismutase in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Double Blind Clinical Trial

Background and Aim: The prevalence pervasiveness of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasing worldwide. We aimed to examine the effects of saffron supplements on serum levels of Cu, Zn and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in subjects with MetS. Materials and Methods: This randomized, double-blind clinical trial comprised 70 subjects with MetS, aged 18-75 years, who referred to the Nutrition Clinic in Ghaem Hospital from April to June 2014. They were randomly divided into 2 groups: a saffron group taking a capsule of saffron 100 mg/kg/day (50 mg twice a day) (n=35); and a placebo group taking a capsule of placebo (twice a day) (n=35), for a period of 12 weeks. We used atomic absorption spectrophotometry in order determine serum zinc and copper levels in all subjects. Serum SOD activity determined using pyrogallol indirect spectrophotometric assay. Results: Fifty-six subjects completed the study. There were significant differences in baseline characteristics between the saffron and placebo groups (p> 0.05). The change in mean serum zinc levels at baseline and following 12 weeks of intervention were significantly different between the saffron and placebo groups (p=0.041). However, there were no significant changes in serum copper, ZN/Cu and SOD1 between the study groups before and after the intervention. Conclusion: Saffron supplementation for a period of 12 weeks was associated with a significant increase in serum Zn level in individuals with MetS (p<0.05). However, there were no significant effects on copper, Cu/Zn ratio, and superoxide dismutase. Only a single dose of saffron was used for a short period of time in this study, and the sample size was limited. It would be useful to investigate the effects of other doses and longer durations in larger subject samples.