Effect of saffron supplementation with resistance training on serum leptin levels, body composition and muscle strength in non-athletic young men

Nowadays, using of natural and traditional supplements has become widespread in order to better exercise sports skills by improving body composition and increasing strength. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of supplementation of saffron and resistance training on serum leptin levels, body composition and muscle strength in non-athletic young men. In this clinical trial study, 30 young non-athletes were selected through purposeful sampling and randomly divided into two groups: resistance training and saffron supplementation (15), and resistance training (15 people). Both groups performed the exercise protocol with four sessions of resistance training per week with 60-70% of a maximal repeat. Also, the first group consumed a single 150 mg pill of pure saffron daily. At the beginning and the end of the study, blood samples were taken for measurement of leptin, body biometric measurements were measured by BIA impedance biomechanical method, and high trunk and trunk strength were measured by chest compression and foot press, respectively. Data analysis was performed with dependent independent t tests. There was a significant difference in the level of leptin, body fat percentage and lean mass between the resistance training group and saffron supplementation and resistance training group (p≤0.05), upper and lower body strengths were not significantly different between the two groups. According to the results, resistance training along with taking a saffron supplement can improve body composition in non-athletes men, but it does not improve upper and lower body strength.