effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of saffron stigma [crocus sativus l.] on metabolic control parameters, liver enzymes, and renal function parameters in type 2 diabetic patients

Background: Uncontrolled metabolic status of diabetes induces multiple complications, such as liver and renal dysfunctions. Saffron as an herbal medicine may improve diabetes metabolic control

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of saffron on metabolic control parameters, liver enzymes, and renal function parameters in type 2 diabetic patients

Methods: In this triple-blind clinical trial, 54 type 2 diabetic patients randomly consumed 15 mg saffron or placebo capsules twice a day for 8 weeks. The following measurements were made during the study: 1. Fasting and 2-hour blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, cholesterol, triglyceride, low and high density lipoproteins, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate and alanine amino transferase, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine; 2. Physical activity at the beginning and the end of the study; 3. dietary intakes at the beginning, midst, and end of the study; 4. anthropometric parameters every 2 weeks; 5. blood pressure every 2 weeks. The data were analyzed using the SPSS. 18 software

Results: Fasting and 2-hour blood glucose, triglyceride, uric acid, and blood urea nitrogen decreased [35.5, 38.5, 0.62, and 4.5 mg/dl, respectively], and high density lipoprotein increased, significantly in the saffron group [P<0.05]

Changes in lipid profile components other than triglycerides were not statistically significant in the two groups. Significant changes in blood pressure, dietary intakes, and physical activity were not seen in either group either [P>0.05]

Conclusion: Saffron hydro-alcoholic extract may improve type 2 diabetic patients' condition through helping control blood glucose and some of the lipid profiles components. It can also improve renal function, which may be related to its antioxidant properties

[ effects of virgin olive oil-rich diet on fasting serum glucose and lipid profile in non alcoholic fatty liver patients with weight loss diet]

Metabolic disorders such as dyslipidemia and insulin resistance are associated with progression of non alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD] and can lead to cardiovascular problems, the most common cause of death in these patients. The amount and composition of dietary fat are influential factors for blood lipid and glucose levels. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of virgin olive oil on serum lipid and glucose levels in the NAFLD patients on weight loss diets. This 12 week-clinical trial was carried out on 50 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver]. Subjects were randomly assigned into groups A [receiving the equivalent of 20% of total daily energy requirement from olive oil] or B [receiving their normal consumption of oil. At the beginning and end of the study, dietary intakes, anthropometric parameters, fasting plasma glucose and lipid levels were measured. At the end of the study, as compared to commonly used oil, olive oil resulted in significant reductions of serum triglycerides [P<0.05], and TG/HDL-C ratio [identified as an atherogenic index and a powerful predictor of cardiovascular disease risk] [P<0.05]. Consuming a diet rich in virgin olive oil along with a slight weight loss in NAFLD patients, can be effective in the treatment and prevention of the consequences of cardiovascular complications of this disease

Beta-carotene, vitamin E, MDA, glutathione reductase and arylesterase activity levels in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis

Many studies have investigated the possible role of reactive oxygen species in the etiology and pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis [RA]. The aim of this study was to investigate the activities of some antioxidants in RA patients. In this case-control study, 59 RA patients and 60 healthy sex and age-matched controls were selected. Vitamin E and Beta-carotene were determined using HPLC. Erythrocytes glutathione reductase [GR] activity was measured spectrophotometrically, and malondialdehyde [MDA] was determined by colorimetric method. Arylesterase activity [AEA] was measured by Phenylacetate. The clinical data were determined by a rheumatologist, medical history and filling the questionnaire by interview. Statistical analyses were carried out using the SPSS software. In patients with RA, serum MDA level was significantly higher and plasma concentration of vitamin E, Beta-carotene and GR activity, were significantly lower than healthy control [P<0.001]. AEA activity differences between two groups were non-significant. Oxidative stress may play an important role in the inflammation and pathogenesis of RA