The impacts of Crocin on serum cytokines concentrations in participants with metabolic syndrome: a double-blind randomized clinical trial study.

2025-08-15
Scientific reports 15(1)
- Razie Rezaiee
- Hamideh Ghazizadeh
- Susan Darroudi
- Roshanak Ghaffarian Zirak
- Mohadese Rohban
- Marziyeh Eidi
- Irandokht Nikbakht Jam
- Ali Asghar Mahmoudi
- Farzin Hadizadeh
- Malihe Aghasizadeh
- Abbas Mohtashamian
- Majid Ghayour-Mobarhan

PubMed: 40817397
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-15953-2

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Population: 28 patients with Mets (15 cases and 13 controls)
Methods: randomized clinical trial, two groups received 15 mg of Crocin (two tablets per day) or placebo for eight weeks; inflammatory and growth factors measured via sandwich chemiluminescence assay before and after treatment
Blinding: Double-blind
Duration: eight weeks

Rigorous Journal

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Crocin on the inflammatory cytokines profile in patients with Metabolic syndrome (Mets). Twenty-eight patients with Mets (15 cases and 13 controls) were randomly selected by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definite criteria in a double-blind randomized clinical trial. Participants were divided into two treatment groups, a group received 15 mg of Crocin (two tablets per day), and the other one received a placebo for eight weeks. Inflammatory and growth factors were measured using a sandwich chemiluminescence assay, before and after treatment. Our results indicated that inflammatory factors including IL-2, IL-10, VEGF and INF γ, were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in patients with Mets after Crocin treatment. Moreover, no significant difference was detected among the other biochemical factors (lipid profile and FBG) between two groups. The results showed the exclusive impact of Crocin on the reduction of serum inflammatory cytokines. Crocin has the potential to be further investigated as a useful therapeutic factor in inflammatory diseases.Clinical trial registration number: IRCT2013080514279N1, Registration date: 01/02/2015.

Research Insights

Gardenia→Increased Interferon-Gamma Levels
Our results indicated that inflammatory factors including IL-2, IL-10, VEGF and INF γ, were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in patients with Mets after Crocin treatment.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
15 mg (two tablets per day)
Gardenia→Increased Interleukin-10 Levels
Our results indicated that inflammatory factors including IL-2, IL-10, VEGF and INF γ, were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in patients with Mets after Crocin treatment.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
15 mg (two tablets per day)
Gardenia→Reduced Fasting Blood Glucose Levels
Moreover, no significant difference was detected among the other biochemical factors (lipid profile and FBG) between two groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
15 mg (two tablets per day)
Gardenia→Reduced Interleukin-6 Levels
Our results indicated that inflammatory factors including IL-2, IL-10, VEGF and INF γ, were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in patients with Mets after Crocin treatment.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
15 mg (two tablets per day)
Gardenia→Reduced Lipid Levels
Moreover, no significant difference was detected among the other biochemical factors (lipid profile and FBG) between two groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
15 mg (two tablets per day)
Gardenia→Reduced Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Our results indicated that inflammatory factors including IL-2, IL-10, VEGF and INF γ, were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in patients with Mets after Crocin treatment.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
15 mg (two tablets per day)