saffron supplements modulate serum pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance in patients with metabolic syndrome: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

objectives: we have investigated the effect of a saffron supplement, given at a dose of 100 mg/kg, on prooxidant-antioxidant balance (pab) in individuals with metabolic syndrome. materials and methods: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial design was used in 75 subjects with metabolic syndrome who were randomly allocated to one of two study groups: (1) the case group received 100mg/kg saffron and (2) the placebo control group received placebo for 12 weeks. the serum pab assay was applied to all subjects before (week 0) and after (weeks 6 and 12) the intervention. results: there was a significant (p=0.035) reduction in serum pab between week 0 to week 6 and also from week 0 to week 12.  conclusion: saffron supplements can modulate serum pab in subjects with metabolic syndrome, implying an improvement in some aspects of oxidative stress or antioxidant protection.