The Combined Effects of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and Exercise on Body Health: A Review Study
Subject Areas : Journal of Chemical Health Risks
1 - Department of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad Universty, Damghan, Iran
Keywords: Saffron, Crocin, Exercise, Food supplement, Body mass,
Abstract :
Researchers have always been looking for a suitable combination of nutrition and physical activities to prevent and treat diseases, increase well-being and improve physical performance. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a valuable plant in traditional medicine. The properties of this plant are attributed to its effective and bioactive compounds such as crocins, crostin, picrocrocin, safranal, and glycosides. This study provides a review of the effects associated with saffron consumption and its effective compounds along with various sports exercises on body health. Scientifis database such as Scopus, PubMed, Sciencedirect and Scientific Information Database (SID) were used to search for articles, and finally 106 articles were selected based on relevance to the topic and novelty. Saffron has a positive effect on the secretion of male sex hormones and IGF-1, causes an increase in muscle contraction during stimulation and increases the number, mobility and ability of sperm. It also strengthens the female reproductive system, such as reducing the symptoms of dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, menopause, and sexual dysfunction by regulation of hormones, folliculogenesis, ovulation, and protection of the ovary and uterus. Saffron supplement and exercise are known as two effective factors in preventing complications of type 2 diabetes, reducing appetite, improving glycemic indices, fasting glucose control and lipid profile. Saffron has beneficial effects on oxidative stress, inflammatory reactions, apoptotic indices, muscle strength, body mass index, metabolism regulation, leptin serum levels, blood pressure, lung function, liver, cardiovascular, digestive, chronic renal, neurological diseases, metabolic syndrome and cancer have a preventive and therapeutic role.
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