Interactive Effect of Saffron Supplementation and Resistance Training on serum levels of sex hormones in young men

Regarding wide range of saffron applications in traditional medicine and its proved effects on male sex hormones and also the importance of muscle contraction in stimulating the secretion of sex hormones, the aim of this study was to study the interactive impact of saffron supplement and resistance training on sex hormones levels (testosterone, LH and FSH) in young adults.

In the form of semi-experimental design, 30 young men were selected as samples and randomly assigned to two resistance training groups: one with mere resistance training (n= 15) and the other with both resistance training and saffron supplements (n= 15) groups. These two groups carried out a resistance training protocols of 60 to 70% 1 RM. In this manner, the latter participants were consuming 150 mg pure saffron tablets per day, in the same period. Bloodletting was performed, before and after six weeks, to assess variables. Thereafter, the research findings were analyzed using independent t-test at a significance level of 0.05.

Data analysis showed that training and training with saffron supplements has significantly increased levels of testosterone, LH and FSH (p≤0.05). Also, significant difference in levels of testosterone, LH and FSH between mere resistance training and resistance training with saffron supplement groups was observed (p≤0.05).

Generally, it could be concluded that synergistic effect of saffron supplements and resistance training would further increase the sex hormones in young men.