Anti-obesity and Anorectic Effects of Saffron and its Constituent Crocin in Obese Wistar Rat

Background: Obesity is pandemic worldwide and a strong risk factor for cardio-metabolic disorders. The few approved anti-obesity drugs have poor efficacy and safety profile. Thus, there is an urgent need for new anti-obesity agents. According to the traditional medicine and a clinical trial, saffron may have anorexigenic and anti-obesity effects which need further investigation. Objectives: Evaluation of the effects of saffron and crocin on body weight, food intake and blood leptin levels in obese Wistar rat. Methods: In the present study, saffron methanolic extract (25, 50, 100, 200 mg/kg) and its active constituent crocin (5, 15, 30, 50 mg/kg), sibutramine (5 mg/kg) and saline were gavaged daily to obese Wistar rats for 2 months and their effects on the body weight, food intake and blood leptin levels were evaluated. Results: The saffron extract and crocin at all doses as well as sibutramine reduced body weight, food intake and leptin levels significantly compared to saline and baseline (p < o.o5). The extract and crocin effects were comparable to sibutramine. Conclusion: Saffron has anti-obesity and anorectic effects in the obese Wistar rat. The lowered leptin levels indicate that saffron reduces fat mass and increases insulin sensitivity. Crocin may be one of the active constituents involved in the effects of saffron. The effects of saffron and crocin may have important clinical implications in terms of treatment and prevention of obesity in humans.