Effects of Saffron and Resistance Training on Blood Pressure

I came across this interesting study about the effects of Saffron on blood pressure. The study aimed to understand the individual and combined effects of saffron and resistance training on blood pressure (BP) and some related markers in elderly men with hypertension.

Methods:
Men aged 60-70 with high blood pressure were divided into four groups:
1. Control group (CO)
2. Resistance Training group (RT)
3. Saffron group (S)
4. Resistance Training + Saffron group (RTS)

The study lasted for 12 weeks. Those in the resistance training groups underwent moderate-intensity exercises. Participants in the Saffron and RTS groups took one 200 mg saffron tablet daily. BP and other markers were measured at weeks 0, 6, 12, and 18.

Results:
– The combined RTS group showed a notable decrease in systolic BP when compared to the control and Saffron-only groups.
– Nitric oxide levels increased in the RTS group compared to the control group.
– Both the Saffron and RT groups showed changes in levels of adiponectin and endotheline-1, both related to vascular health.
– No significant change was observed in the atrial natriuretic peptide levels across the groups.

Conclusion:
Both resistance training and saffron consumption can benefit elderly hypertensive patients by influencing factors related to vascular resistance. This study received approval from the ethics committee of the Iranian sports science research institution and is registered with the Iranian registry of clinical trials.

Click here for the original article.