The Effect of Saffron Kozanis (<i>Crocus sativus</i> L.) Supplementation on Weight Management, Glycemic Markers and Lipid Profile in Adolescents with Obesity: A Double-Blinded Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Global rates of adolescent obesity have led the World Health Organization to consider the disease a pandemic that needs focus. In search of new anti-obesity agents, Crocus sativus, popularly known as saffron, is a nutraceutical agent, praised for its beneficial effects. The study aimed to investigat...

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Main Authors: Eleni P. Kotanidou (Author), Vasiliki Rengina Tsinopoulou (Author), Styliani Giza (Author), Stergianna Ntouma (Author), Chrysanthi Angeli (Author), Michail Chatziandreou (Author), Konstantinos Tsopelas (Author), Ioulia Tseti (Author), Assimina Galli-Tsinopoulou (Author)
Format: Book
Published: MDPI AG, 2023-11-01T00:00:00Z.
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Summary:Global rates of adolescent obesity have led the World Health Organization to consider the disease a pandemic that needs focus. In search of new anti-obesity agents, Crocus sativus, popularly known as saffron, is a nutraceutical agent, praised for its beneficial effects. The study aimed to investigate the possible effect of Kozanis saffron administration on weight management of obese prediabetic adolescents. Seventy-four obese prediabetic adolescents participated in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial of three arms, randomly assigned to receive either Kozanis saffron (<i>n</i> = 25, 60 mg/day), metformin (<i>n</i> = 25, 1000 mg/day) or a placebo (<i>n</i> = 24), for twelve weeks. Anthropometry, glycemic markers and lipid profiles were investigated at baseline and post-intervention. Saffron supplementation significantly reduced the weight z-score, BMI, BMI z-score and waist circumference (WC) of obese adolescents; however, this reduction was less significant compared to the effect of metformin. Metformin administration offered a significantly more profound improvement in anthropometry compared to saffron administration. Saffron administration also provided significant improvements in weight, weight z-scores, BMI values, BMI z-scores and WCs compared to the placebo. Saffron supplementation failed to change any glycemic marker, but provided a significant reduction in fasting triglyceride levels and also a significant increase in fasting HDL levels. Saffron Kozanis constitutes a promising nutraceutical option for adolescents and children with obesity and prediabetes in need of weight management.
Item Description:10.3390/children10111814
2227-9067