Effect of Crocus Sativus Linnaeus (saffron) supplementations combined with circuit resistance training on total creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase MB levels in young untrained men

Summary Cardiovascular diseases are among the main cause of deaths in developing countries. This study aims to investigate the effect of circuit-resistance training with saffron supplementation on some cardiovascular risk factors in young untrained men. Twenty-three healthy untrained men participated in a randomized controlled, double blind study and were divided in two groups: placebo–training (PT, n = 11) and saffron stigma (sargoal)–training (ST, n = 12) groups. Participants were trained in a circuit-resistance training program (12 stations, 30 second/station) for 5 days/week for the duration of 2 weeks. The ST group received supplement in form of capsules (250 mg) twice per day (morning and immediately after each training session) while the PT group received water. Blood samples were taken 48 hours before and after the last training session to determine creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentrations. Statistical analysis showed that there were no significant differences in cardiovascular risk factor (P > 0.05) except for plasma levels of LDH (P = 0.025) between the two groups. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that the 2 weeks circuit-resistance program was able to induce significant changes in measurement variables and supplementation by saffron somewhat reinforced the effect of circuit-resistance training program.