Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Supplements Modulate Circulating MicroRNA (miR-21) in Atherosclerosis Patients; A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Study answer

What this study found

Saffron significantly down-regulated circulating miR-21 expression vs placebo (P = 0.002) and reduced hip circumference (P = 0.049; P = 0.006). No significant effects on fasting blood glucose or lipid profiles; authors conclude saffron may be a novel therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease management via modulation of miR-21.

Study & population

Design: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial; participants: adults with atherosclerosis, both genders, aged 30–60 years; 63 randomized to saffron (n=33) or placebo (n=30); 58 completed; recruitment from Emam Sajjad Hospital, Valiasr Hospital, and Zafaranieyh Clinic, Tehran, Iran.

Intervention

Saffron capsules, 100 mg/day (two capsules of 50 mg) taken orally for six weeks.

Key limitation

Small sample size and short intervention duration; dropout/loss to follow-up may affect reliability.

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Original abstract