The effect of 12 weeks of aerobic training and saffron supplementation on some serum inflammatory factors and cognitive status of elderly men

 Physical activity based on intensity and duration could have an effective impact on cognitive status. Moreover, using the herbal supplement along with exercise training regulates the secretion of pre-inflammatory cytokines, and has a positive impact on the cognitive status.  The aim of this study was to examine the effect of 12 weeks aerobic exercise and saffron supplement consumption on cognitive condition and serum levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in elderly men.

Forty men with average age of 68.12±2.99 years and body mass index of 25.77±1.2 kg/m2 were purposefully selected and randomly divided into four equal groups (n=10) including aerobic exercise, saffron, aerobic exercise+saffron and placebo. The interventions were conducted for 12 weeks. Aerobic exercise included 8 minutes running up to 75-85 percent of maximal reserve heart rate were performed in the first session. In every two sessions, one minute was added to the running time, so that after 12 weeks, the running time reached to 26 minutes. Saffron supplement was taken daily in the form of capsules with a dose of 200 mg. Measurement of IL-1β and TNF-α were done using Elisa method. Cognitive status was measured by MMSE questionnaire. Data were analyzed by mixed design analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc test at the significant level of p<0.05.

Serum levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in three intervention groups decreased significantly; but it indicated higher changes after exercise+saffron intervention (p<0.05). Moreover, cognitive status improved significantly in the intervention groups than placebo group; so that this improvement was higher in the exercise+saffron group (p<0.05).

 Consuming saffron supplements along with aerobic exercise, at least for 12 weeks, is associated with improving cognitive status and reducing inflammatory factors in the elderly; these changes probably prevent cognitive disorders and Alzheimer’s disease in old age.