Effect of saffron supplementation and endurance training on the concentration of interleukin-8, C-reactive protein, and clinical symptoms in outpatients with COVID-19

Covid-19 is considered a new disease across the globe. Physical activity reduces risk factors, and with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, saffron is used as a traditional herbal medicine to treat cough and asthma. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the effect of saffron supplementation and endurance training on the concentration of C-reactive protein, interleukin-8, and clinical symptoms in outpatients with COVID-19.

The present research was conducted based on a randomized, double-blind, four-group, pretest-posttest design. The statistical population of this research entailed all outpatients with COVID-19 referred to the health center of Keshkosrai. Among this population, 36 cases were randomly selected. The research hypotheses were evaluated using SPSS software at a significance level of P<0.05 using the statistical test of analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and paired T-test.

The results of ANCOVA demonstrated that after adjusting the effect of baseline values, height, and body mass index, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the mean change of interleukin-8, C-reactive protein, partial oxygen pressure (SpO2), and body temperature (P<0.05). That is, the type of intervention can markedly affect the change of interleukin-8, C-reactive protein, partial oxygen pressure, and body temperature.

As evidenced by the obtained results, it is possible to use saffron as an auxiliary therapeutic method, as well as regular sports activity, which helps to control pathogens, including COVID-19, by boosting the body's immunity.