The effect of 15 days of saffron extract consumption with one session of intense exercise on serum levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha and cortisol in young men

Since saffron has potential properties such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, it can play a role in modulating inflammatory factors caused by intense sports activities. Therefore, the aim of this research was to investigate the short-term effect of saffron extract consumption on the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and cortisol in young men after an intense exercise session.

The present research was semi-experimental. Twenty-four male students were randomly divided into two groups (saffron and placebo). Blood sampling was done before and immediately after 30 minutes of vigorous activity with an intensity of 85% of the maximum heart rate stored on the treadmill. After completing the pre-test, the saffron group consumed 400 mg of saffron extract for 15 days, and the placebo group consumed the same amount of starch flour. Then, like the pre-test, two blood samples were taken again before and immediately after intense activity. IL-6 and TNF-α serum levels were determined by ELISA method and cortisol by radioimmunoassay method. Extraction of the results was done using covariance analysis test at a significance level of p≤0.05.

After the implementation of the intense aerobic protocol, the concentration of cortisol (p₌0.01) and TNF-α (p₌0.02) in the saffron supplement group was significantly lower than the placebo group; However, there was no statistically significant difference in serum IL-6 levels between the two groups (p<0.49).

short-term consumption of saffron before intense activities can moderate the release of some inflammatory indicators and cortisol, and is desirable for athletes involved in intense activities.