Effect of Saffron (Crocus Sativus) Supplementation on Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Indices, and Renal and Liver Function Parameters in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Grade-Assessed Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials Publisher Pubmed

Summary: Meta-analysis suggests saffron/crocin reduces inflammation markers like IL-6 & MDA in type 2 diabetes patients, especially at higher doses. #Diabetes #Saffron

A Mafi ALIREZA ; Z Mokhtari ZEINAB ; E Hosseini ELHAM ; Ma Alimohammadi Mina AMIN ; Mh Aarabi Mohammad HOSEIN ; G Askari GHOLAMREZA
Source: Nutrition Reviews Published:2025

Abstract

Context: Clinical investigation has shown that the addition of saffron or crocin to standard antidiabetic medications improves a patient's metabolic profile, oxidative stress (OS), and inflammatory response. Despite a large number of studies examining the impact of saffron supplementation on OS, inflammation, and renal and liver function parameters, no systematic review or meta-analysis has been conducted to compile the outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Objective: The current systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to investigate the effect of saffron or crocin intake on OS, inflammation, and renal and liver function parameters in patients with T2DM. Data Sources: Online databases including PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched up to December 2023. Data Extraction: The mean differences and their respective SDs were extracted. Using a random-effects model, the pooled data were calculated as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% CI. Data Analysis: 17 eligible randomized controlled trials were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled findings showed that saffron supplementation remarkably decreased the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (SMD: -0.37; 95% CI: -0.69 to -0.05; I2 = 40.77%, P =. 15), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (SMD: -0.38; 95% CI: -0.65 to -0.10; I2 = 0%, P =. 68), and malondialdehyde (MDA) (SMD: -0.36; 95% CI: -0.65 to -0.07; I2= 20.51%, P =. 02) compared with the control. In addition, based on subgroup analyses, taking ≥100 mg of saffron daily in individuals with T2DM reduced the serum levels of IL-6 (SMD: -0.50; 95% CI: -0.90 to -0.10; I2 = 0%, P =. 50) and MDA (SMD: -0.36; 95% CI: -0.68 to -0.03; I2 = 0, P =. 97). Furthermore, the level of alanine transaminase was decreased (SMD: -0.43; 95% CI: -0.73 to -0.12; I2 = 0, P =. 66) with a treatment period of <60 days of saffron or crocin supplementation. Conclusion: Larger studies with more follow-up and higher doses of both saffron and crocin are needed in order to understand the efficacy and safety of these herbs for long-term use as routine therapies. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023458119. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.