Saffron Extract and Crocin Reduced Biomarkers Associated with Obesity in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet
- Author:
Maryam Mashmoul
;
Azrina Azlan
;
Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Crocin, high-fat diet, obesity, orlistat, saffron
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
2017;23(1):117-127
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
This study aimed to investigate the effect of saffron extract and crocin on
blood biomarkers associated with obesity using the rat model. Methods: Obesity was induced
by feeding a high-fat diet to 42 male Sprague-Dawley rats for 12 weeks, after which
they were equally distributed into seven groups. Three groups served as controls namely,
normal diet (ND), high-fat diet (HFD), and high-fat diet plus orlistat (HFD + ORL), while
the remaining four treatment groups consisted of HFD added low or high dose (40 and 80
mg/kg/day) of either saffron extract or crocin in the food. At the end of 8 weeks, blood
samples were collected by cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis. Results: Obese rats
treated with a high dose of saffron extract and crocin showed significantly lower plasma
glucose levels (5.26 and 5.67 mmol/L respectively) than the HFD rats (6.92 mmol/L). Saffron
extract and crocin at a high dose showed significantly lower levels of plasma insulin
(3.97 and 3.88 ng/mL respctively) compared to HFD control (5.41 ng/mL). Adiponectin levels
significantly increased in obese rats fed saffron extract and crocin at high doses (7.44 and
7.92 µg/mL respectively) compared to HFD control (5.34 µg/mL). Ghrelin level significantly
increased from 419.10 to 284.10 pg/mL,while leptin level significantly decreased from 8.08 to
5.68 ng/mL for the high dose crocin groups compared to HFD control. No significant differences
in plasma serotonin levels were found among the groups. Conclusion: Saffron extract
and crocin show potential in reducing blood biomarkers associated with obesity as well as
anti-inflammatory and regulatory potential of adipocytokines in an animal model.
- Full text:P020170515529281345990.pdf
