The Effect of Saffron Extract Consumption Along with Aerobic Training on Glycemic Indices in Streptozotocin (STZ)-Induced Diabetic Male Wistar Rats

Introduction: Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases and one of the main causes of death all over the world. This study aimed to investigate the effect of consumption of saffron extract combined with aerobic exercise on glycemic indices in streptozotocin induced diabetic male rats with. Method: This experimental study was conducted on 40 adult male rats aged 10-12 weeks weighing 220-250g. Rats were randomly allocated to diabetic control, diabetic exercise, diabetic saffron, and diabetic exercise + saffron groups after the induction of diabetes. Moderate intensity exercise was administered five days a week for eight weeks. Before and after eight weeks glycemic indices were measured, and the data were analyzed with Kolmogorov-Smirnov, one-way analysis of variance, and Tukey’s post hoc tests. Results: The results showed that fasting glucose in the saffron extract + aerobic exercise was significantly lower than the control and the aerobic training groups (p=0.014). Glycosylated hemoglobin in the saffron extract + aerobic exercise group was lower than the control group (p=0.001), and insulin resistance in the saffron group was lower than the control group with aerobic exercise (p=0.001). Conclusion: Both an aerobic exercise and a consumption of saffron extract can probably prevent diabetes by reducing hyperglycemic indicators. Aerobic exercise and consumption of saffron extract co-administration can exert more beneficial effects.