Volume 49, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Research in Medicine 2025, 49(2): 9-25 |
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Ghorbanian B, Fakhrpour R, Behmanesh A, Izadi A. The Effect of Eight Weeks of High- Intensity Interval Training Combined with Saffron Extract Supplementation on Serum Levels of Inflammatory Markers TNF-α and CRP in Overweight Men. Research in Medicine 2025; 49 (2) :9-25
URL: http://pejouhesh.sbmu.ac.ir/article-1-3461-en.html
URL: http://pejouhesh.sbmu.ac.ir/article-1-3461-en.html
Department of Sports Sciences, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Azerbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran. , b.gorbanian@gmail.com
Abstract: (488 Views)
Background and Aim: Obesity and being overweight are associated with increased low- grade chronic inflammation, which predisposes individuals to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, identifying effective, natural,
non- pharmacological interventions to reduce inflammation is essential. High- intensity interval training (HIIT) has been recognized as an effective method for improving metabolic health and reducing inflammatory markers. Saffron has also attracted attention due to its antioxidant and anti- inflammatory properties. However, the combined effect of HIIT and saffron supplementation on inflammatory factors has been less studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the simultaneous effect of HIIT and saffron consumption on TNF-α and CRP levels in overweight men.
Methods: This quasi- experimental study used a pre-test /post- test design with a control group. Forty overweight men (BMI 25-29.9) were recruited through a public call and randomly assigned to four equal groups: (1) HIIT + placebo, (2) HIIT + saffron supplementation, (3) saffron supplementation only, and (4) control (no training or supplementation). Participants in the saffron and HIIT + saffron groups consumed one 30 mg capsule of saffron dry extract daily for eight weeks in a single- blind manner. The HIIT + placebo group received an empty capsule. The HIIT groups performed three sessions of HIIT per week for eight weeks. The control group continued their usual daily activities. Pre- test measurements were taken before the interventions, and post-test measurements were taken 48 hours after the final training session and supplementation. Blood samples were collected by a laboratory expert, and serum TNF-α and CRP levels were measured using ELISA (Podgin- Teb kits). Paired t-tests were used for within- group comparisons, and ANCOVA was used to assess between-group differences. The significance level was set at 0.05.
Results: After eight weeks, a significant decrease in TNF-α was observed in the HIIT + saffron group (0.64 ± 0.15;
P = 0.001). CRP levels in this group also significantly decreased (4.87 ± 0.44; P = 0.001). In the HIIT-only group, no significant change in TNF-α was found (0.95 ± 0.28; P = 0.42), but CRP decreased significantly (5.92 ± 0.52;
P = 0.037). In the saffron- only group, TNF-α showed no significant change (1.18 ± 0.24; P = 0.89), while CRP significantly decreased (5.82 ± 0.66; P = 0.001). No significant changes were observed in the control group (P > 0.05). Between- group comparisons indicated significant differences in favor of the combined HIIT + saffron group. Overall, the combination of HIIT and saffron supplementation had a greater effect on reducing inflammatory markers than either intervention alone.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that combining HIIT with saffron supplementation significantly reduces TNF-α and CRP levels, as well as body weight, in overweight men. The anti- inflammatory effects were greater in the combined group than in the other groups. Based on these results, the simultaneous use of exercise interventions and herbal supplements such as saffron extract may be considered a non- pharmacological approach to improving inflammation associated with being overweight.
non- pharmacological interventions to reduce inflammation is essential. High- intensity interval training (HIIT) has been recognized as an effective method for improving metabolic health and reducing inflammatory markers. Saffron has also attracted attention due to its antioxidant and anti- inflammatory properties. However, the combined effect of HIIT and saffron supplementation on inflammatory factors has been less studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the simultaneous effect of HIIT and saffron consumption on TNF-α and CRP levels in overweight men.
Methods: This quasi- experimental study used a pre-test /post- test design with a control group. Forty overweight men (BMI 25-29.9) were recruited through a public call and randomly assigned to four equal groups: (1) HIIT + placebo, (2) HIIT + saffron supplementation, (3) saffron supplementation only, and (4) control (no training or supplementation). Participants in the saffron and HIIT + saffron groups consumed one 30 mg capsule of saffron dry extract daily for eight weeks in a single- blind manner. The HIIT + placebo group received an empty capsule. The HIIT groups performed three sessions of HIIT per week for eight weeks. The control group continued their usual daily activities. Pre- test measurements were taken before the interventions, and post-test measurements were taken 48 hours after the final training session and supplementation. Blood samples were collected by a laboratory expert, and serum TNF-α and CRP levels were measured using ELISA (Podgin- Teb kits). Paired t-tests were used for within- group comparisons, and ANCOVA was used to assess between-group differences. The significance level was set at 0.05.
Results: After eight weeks, a significant decrease in TNF-α was observed in the HIIT + saffron group (0.64 ± 0.15;
P = 0.001). CRP levels in this group also significantly decreased (4.87 ± 0.44; P = 0.001). In the HIIT-only group, no significant change in TNF-α was found (0.95 ± 0.28; P = 0.42), but CRP decreased significantly (5.92 ± 0.52;
P = 0.037). In the saffron- only group, TNF-α showed no significant change (1.18 ± 0.24; P = 0.89), while CRP significantly decreased (5.82 ± 0.66; P = 0.001). No significant changes were observed in the control group (P > 0.05). Between- group comparisons indicated significant differences in favor of the combined HIIT + saffron group. Overall, the combination of HIIT and saffron supplementation had a greater effect on reducing inflammatory markers than either intervention alone.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that combining HIIT with saffron supplementation significantly reduces TNF-α and CRP levels, as well as body weight, in overweight men. The anti- inflammatory effects were greater in the combined group than in the other groups. Based on these results, the simultaneous use of exercise interventions and herbal supplements such as saffron extract may be considered a non- pharmacological approach to improving inflammation associated with being overweight.
Keywords: Crocus sativus supplementation, Tumor Necrosis Factor- alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), High- intensity interval training (HIIT), Overweight
Type of Study: Original |
Subject:
Physical Education and Sports Science ( Sport physiology- Sport biomecanic
Received: 2025/04/27 | Accepted: 2025/09/6 | Published: 2025/12/13
Received: 2025/04/27 | Accepted: 2025/09/6 | Published: 2025/12/13
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