Effects of Circuit Resistance Training with Crocus Sativus (Saffron) Supplementation
on Plasma Viscosity and Fibrinogen
1Abbass Ghanbari-Niaki*,
1Ayoub Saeidi, 1Mahdi Aliakbari-Beydokhti, 1Sadegh
Ardeshiri, 1Sarkawt Kolahdouzi, 2Mohammad Javad Chaichi, 3Bijan
Hedayati-Monfared
1. Faculty of Physical Education and
Sport Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.
2. Analytical Division, Faculty of Chemistry, University
of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.
3. Laboratory Sciences Division, Iran University of
Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
BSTRACT
A limited number of
studies has been carried out concerning the combined effects of resistance
training and saffron supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of
this study was to assess the effects of circuit resistance training with Crocus
sativus (saffron) supplementation on
plasma viscosity and fibrinogen. For this purpose, 44 healthy male subjects,
based on individual characteristics and after homogenization, were divided into
four groups, including water-training
(WT;
n=11), petal sweat–training (PST; n=10), bottom part of flower-training (BFT;
n=11), and upper part of flower-training (UFT; n=12). Resistance training consisted of 12 stations
(each station for 30 seconds with 40% of one repetition maximum) for 2 weeks (5
sessions per week). Saffron in the amount of 500 mg was used twice daily, i.e.
in the morning and immediately after exercise. Blood samples were taken before
and 48 hours after the last exercise session and were analyzed for fibrinogen
and plasma viscosity. Significant differences were observed between
groups in plasma levels of fibrinogen (P=0.01). The post hoc test
showed significant differences between the UFT and PST groups and the UFT and BFT groups (respectively,
P=0.04 and P=0.014). In the post-test, plasma fibrinogen had significantly
decreased in the WT (P=0.005), PWT (P=0.003), and UFT (P=0.001) groups
compared with pre-test data (within group difference). Moreover,
plasma viscosity was significantly changed among groups (F3, 37=3.52,
P=0.024). The post hoc test showed significant differences between the UFT and
WT groups (P=0.037). In post-test data, plasma viscosity had significantly
decreased in the WT (P=0.015) and UFT (P<0.001) groups compared with
pre-test data. The present results show that circuit resistance training with
saffron supplements can reduce cardiovascular risk factors (fibrinogen and
plasma viscosity).
Key Words:
Circuit resistance training, Saffron supplementation, Viscosity,
Fibrinogen.
INTRODUCTION
Thrombus and
atherosclerosis play important roles in cardiovascular and peripheral arterial
system diseases and are of the most effective factors in mortality due to
cardiovascular diseases in the industrialized world (1). Impairment of
the rheological properties of normal blood is as an independent risk factor for
coronary heart disease, especially viscosity which can increase coronary
obstruction and blood pressure (2, 3). Increased
blood viscosity may have adverse effects on blood flow and oxygen transport.
Changes in levels of blood proteins, such as albumin and fibrinogen, increase
according to the shape and size of the protein; the relationship between high
levels of fibrinogen and increased blood and plasma viscosity is well
understood. Fibrinogen is the largest plasma protein which includes an
approximately 5.5% concentration of total plasma protein (4). Recent
evidence has shown the role of fibrinogen in the pathogenesis of
atherosclerosis vascular diseases and possibly as a risk factor for
cardiovascular diseases (5). The role of
fibrinogen is considered in blood homeostatic mechanisms and as a determinant
of blood rheology through its influence on the red blood cell
aggregation process (4). Increased
plasma fibrinogen may cause adverse effects to the atherosclerosis process by
increasing the interaction of platelets with the vessel wall, increasing blood
viscosity through non–rheological routes such as blood coagulation, or by a
direct effect on the vessel wall (6).
Blood viscosity
generally depends on the blood concentration. In fact, hematocrit, viscosity,
and blood viscosity are directly related to each other and inversely related to
plasma volume (7).
When hematocrit increases, blood viscosity increases; consequently, the blood
flow rate decreases and thus, the supply of oxygen to tissue is reduced (7).
The effects of different sports and physical activities on blood viscosity and
fibrinogen levels were examined in the current study. The results demonstrated
the relationship between maximal oxygen uptake and a higher level of physical
fitness (8, 9). Conversely,
some studies have reported no change, and some have reported an increase of 28%
after resistance activity. Some other studies have reported an increase of 38%
after aerobic activity (10). Long-term
training is not usually associated with significant changes in hematocrit, but
it is associated with an increase in total plasma protein, which is one of the
mechanisms causing plasma viscosity to increase (9). Although it
seems that plasma viscosity increases in response to long-term training, not
getting an increase in hematocrit in response to such training may show slight
changes in total viscosity (8). Despite
assessing the effect of light circuit resistance exercises on hematorheologic
parameters such as the volume of platelets, white blood cells, and red blood
cells (11),
there is little information about the effects of sports activities, especially
resistance activities on blood viscosity, plasma, and fibrinogen. Moreover, the
effect of resistance exercises, particularly short-term and sequential circuit
with food-drug supplementation has not yet been clarified. In one study using
resistance exercises, however, it was shown that viscosity immediately
increased and then decreased again during a 30 minute recovery period. Similar
changes in levels of fibrinogen, plasma total protein, and albumin were seen,
but at the end of the recovery period, these levels returned to the baseline (12). Considering
the conflicting findings about blood viscosity, plasma, and fibrinogen as
significant indices in cardiovascular diseases, the simultaneous use of a
food-drug before or after physical exercise, especially sequential circuit
resistance exercises, can undoubtedly provide a new area to manage the correct
usage of food supplementation with training. Crocus sativus, or saffron, is one
of the considerable plants for Iran and other nations and is known as an
expensive but pleasant flavor for everyone. General characteristics of the
plant include it containing 10% moisture, 12% protein, 5% fat, 5% minerals, 5%
crude fiber, and 63% carbohydrates (starches, restored sugars, pentoses,
riboflavin and thiamine) (13).
The effect of
saffron tablets on the short-term safety and tolerability of healthy adults was
investigated. In this study, a dose of 200 mg of saffron reduced the platelet
count, international normalized ratio (INR), and the time of bleeding (14, 15). The watery
essence of saffron inhibited the platelet aggregation induced by ADP,
epinephrine, and collagen. Chives of saffron have a protein which compresses
the platelets (16). It is said
that saffron has antioxidant properties that increase glutation levels and
prevent lipid oxidation (17). Studies have
reported the effects of saffron on atherosclerosis (18-20); it decreases
lipid deposits in artery walls and consequently decreases atherosclerosis by
reducing adhesive vascular molecules (20). Thus, considering
the influence of resistance training on permanent increases in blood viscosity
and plasma induced by increased fibrinogen, albumin, total protein, and
hematocrit following resistance activities (21), this study
sought to answer the questions of whether taking all parts of saffron confirm
or reject the possible effects of saffron with short-term resistance training
and whether supplementation with various parts of the saffron flower
strengthens the anticoagulant effects of physical exercise, thereby having a
protective effect. The present study was designed to examine the effects of
circuit resistance training while simultaneously taking various parts of the
saffron flower (upper part, bottom part, and petal sweat) on viscosity and
fibrinogen.
MATERIALS AND
METHODS
Participants. Forty-four
students at Mazandaran University participated voluntarily in this study.
Before participation, the whole methodology was explained to them, they
completed a medical questionnaire, and they gave written consent. Inclusion
criteria were no addiction to drugs, lack of regular physical activity for at
least 6 months, no history of kidney, liver, cardiovascular diseases or
diabetes or any injury or physical problem. Subjects were divided homogenously
into 4 groups:
1)
Water +
training (WT: n = 11)
2)
Petal sweat +
training (PST: n = 10)
3)
Bottom part of flower + training (BFT: n = 11)
4)
Upper part of flower + training (UFT: n = 12).
|
Table 1.
Descriptive characteristics of group samples (Mean ±SD) |
||||
|
Group |
UFT |
WT |
PST |
BFT |
|
Age (years) |
21.50 ± 1.93 |
21.91 ± 2.34 |
22.00 ± 2.35 |
21.18 ± 1.72 |
|
Height (cm) |
175.92 ± 5.31 |
178.18 ± 4.75 |
175.10 ± 6.08 |
175.36 ± 4.6 |
|
Weight (kg) |
67.42 ± 8.46 |
69.91 ± 9.40 |
73.10 ± 10.51 |
67.36 ± 8.21 |
|
BMI (kg/m2) |
21.75 ± 1.96 |
22.00 ± 2.96 |
23.90 ± 2.72 |
21.82 ± 2.60 |
|
UFT: Upper
part of flower + training, WT: Water + training, PST: Petal
sweat + training, BFT: Bottom part of flower + training |
||||
Procedure. Subjects received 500 mg of saffron in two steps, a 250 mg capsule
after breakfast and then a 250 mg capsule along with 100 ml of water
immediately after exercise. The PST group consumed 200 ml of petal sweat with a
placebo, and the WT group consumed 200 ml of water with a placebo. According to
the exercise procedure, subjects were familiarized with the working environment
before performing circuit resistance exercises, and they came to the exercise
location to determine 1RM of activities during three separate sessions. Values
of 1RM of activities such as the squat, bench press, standing calf raise,
military press, leg press, rowing, leg extension, leg curl, French press, trunk
extension, and sit-ups were calculated using the trial and error and the
Berzisky equation methods (22).
Berzisky
equation to calculate 1RM:
Subjects
performed these activities with 40% of mean 1RM and moderate velocity for 2
weeks (5 sessions per week). Each exercise session consisted of 5 minutes of
warm-up and then nonstop exercise between the 12 activity stations. The
duration of each station was 30 seconds. The number of repetitions for each
subject at each station was recorded. For the first two sessions, one period of
exercise was done. From the third session on, subjects did exercises for two
periods between which they took an active rest for 3 minutes. Blood was sampled
from an arm vein after 10 to 12 hours fasting, two times: 48 hours before
starting exercises and 48 hours after the latest session of exercises. Blood
samples were poured into test tubes containing EDTA and centrifuged for 10
minutes at 3000 rounds per minute. Then, the separated plasma was used to
analyze fibrinogen, and other factors were used to calculate viscosity.
Fibrinogen was measured by a set (LABI TECH) made in Germany. Viscosity was
calculated using the following formula (7):
Plasma
viscosity = 1.352 + 0.0167 × total cholesterol (mmol) + 0.0285 × fibrinogen
(g/l) + 0.0054 × triglyceride (mmol) + 0.00318 × hematocrit – 0.03 – c (mmol)
Statistical
Analysis. Data was analyzed using SPSS software version 20. Normal
distribution of data was confirmed using the Kolmogorov Smirnov test. Repeated
measures (4×2) ANOVA was also used to analyze data. Independent t–test was used
to find intergroup changes. A level of (0.05) was considered significant.
RESULTS
Statistical analysis showed no significant differences between plasma
levels of fibrinogen in the groups before and after exercise using the two–way
repeated ANOVA test, (f3,40 = 0.206, p = 0.89 ), but there was a
significant difference between various times (f1, 40 = 39.96, p <
0.001). Results of the Bonferoni test showed no significant differences between
groups before and after exercise (P > 0.05). A negative interaction between
time and group (f3, 40 = 4.43, p = 0.009) was also observed (Fig.
1). Using the dependent t test, a significant difference was observed in pre–
and post-test data in the WT (t10 = 3.54, p = 0.005), PST (t9 =
3.06, p = 0.003), and UFT (t11 = 4.52, p = 0.001) groups, but no
significant difference was seen between pre-test and post-test data of the BFT
group (t10 = 1.52, p = 0.15) (Fig. 1).
Statistical analysis of plasma viscosity levels in pre-test and post-test
data using two way repeated ANOVA showed no significant differences between
groups (f3, 40 = 0.997, p = 0.4), but there was a significant
difference between various times (f1, 40 = 24.42, p < 0.001).
Results of the Bonferoni test on pre- and post-test data showed no significant
differences in times between the various groups (P>0.05). There was,
however, a significant interaction between time and group (f3, 40 =
3.19, p = 0.034) (Fig. 1).
Using the
dependent t test, significant differences between pre-test and post-est data in
the WT group (t10 = 2.93, p = 0.015) and the UFT group (t11 =
5.42, p < 0.001) were observed (Fig. 2).
|
|
|
Fig
1. Fibrinogen data. *shows significant difference between pre-test and
post-test data in the groups (p<0.05). WT, water-training; PST, petal
sweat–training; BFT, bottom part of flower-training; UFT, upper part of
flower-training. |
|
|
|
Fig
2. Viscosity data. *shows significant difference between pre-test and
post-test data in the groups (p < 0.05). WT, water-training; PST, petal
sweat–training; BFT, bottom part of flower-training; UFT, upper part of
flower-training. |
DISCUSSION
Sports
activities cause changes in blood rheology corresponding with kind, duration,
and intensity of the activity as well as an individual’s physical fitness (23). Previous
studies have indicated that changes in the blood hemorheology are induced by
resistance exercises. Intensive resistance activity causes increases in the
viscosity and fibrinogen of plasma (12).
In the present
study, the effects of short-term circuit exercise on the viscosity and
fibrinogen of plasma with and without saffron supplementation were examined.
Plasma fibrinogen decreased 10% after two weeks of short-term circuit
resistance exercises. In agreement with this study, Ahmadizad et al. (12) found that
intensive resistance activity increased fibrinogen levels in plasma, yet these
levels returned to the baseline during a 30-minute recovery period. They
suggested that this mechanism probably occurs because of a decrease in blood
plasma levels. Ghanbari Niaki et al. (7)
found no changes in fibrinogen levels in response to 4 weeks of progressive
aerobic exercises. Results of Ghanbari’s study contradicts those of the present
study. Results of the current study are in agreement with those of Kilic-Toprak
et al. (24), who indicated
a decrease in fibrinogen levels after three weeks of progressive resistance
exercises; converse to the current study, however, they reported a return to
baseline after twelve weeks (24). This
contradiction was induced by the duration, intensity, and entity of resistance
exercises used in the present study. Researchers found that circuit resistance
exercises are more effective on increasing aerobic capacity and improving
cardiorespiratory function than conservative resistance exercises (25, 26). Thus,
considering the entity of circuit resistance exercises in this study, a
possible mechanism of the decrease in fibrinogen level is the increase in
plasma volume and improvement of the cardiovascular system. Other possible
mechanisms to reduce fibrinogen are an increase in nervous system activity and
a change in the lipid profile (27, 28). Some studies
have indicated an improvement in the lipid profile in response to resistance
exercises (29, 30). A decrease in
the lipid profile serves to decrease fibrinogen, because fibrinogen has a
direct relationship with LDL and an inverse relationship with HDL (7).
Increases in aerobic capacity and muscle mass induced by circuit resistance
exercises (31) can improve
lipid metabolism, and as a result, short-term, two-week circuit resistance
exercises lead to reduced fibrinogen by improving lipid profiles and
metabolism.
When a
supplement from the upper part of the saffron flower was used during an exercise
period, the effect of exercise was doubled and plasma fibrinogen was reduced
16%, although there was no significant difference between this group and the
others. The plasma fibrinogen in the PST group was reduced 5%, which is a lower
reduction compared with the UFT group. Through an examination of the materials
of the petal sweat, bottom part, and upper part of the saffron flower, it was
found that the upper part had more linoleic acid than its other parts.
Moreover, safranal, the main material of saffron, exists only in the upper
part. Researchers have indicated that saffron supplements improve lipid
profiles (19).
Saffron also
has antioxidant properties, and its supplement reduces blood coagulation by
inhibiting lipid oxidation (17) and inhibiting
platelet aggregation induced by ADP, epinephrine, and collagen (16). A possible reason
for the decrease in blood coagulation is a reduction in coagulation factors
like fibrinogen. In this study, an upper part of saffron supplement coupled
with circuit resistance training reduced fibrinogen 16%. A definite mechanism
in this field has not yet been determined; more research is needed to achieve
definite results.
In general,
blood circulation is reduced during sports activities, because the volume of
plasma decreases and blood hematocrit increases (4). Blood
hematocrit decreases after doing sports exercises because of the increase in
plasma volume (32). Hematocrit is
one of the main determinants of blood viscosity (4). Fibrinogen,
the largest plasma protein and a main determinant of plasma and viscosity (7),
was significantly reduced in all groups except BFT. In this study, resistance
exercises reduced plasma viscosity by 2% in the WT group. In agreement with the
present study, Kilic-Toprak et al. (24) indicated an
11% reduction in plasma viscosity after 3 weeks of progressive resistance
exercises. This difference in reduction rates probably occurred because of the
duration, intensity, and entity of the exercise periods. Plasma viscosity
depends on plasma proteins, such as fibrinogen and globulin (33). Fibrinogen is
one of the possible mechanisms for decreasing plasma viscosity. Increased
levels of fibrinogen in plasma, increased platelet interaction with vessel
walls, and intensification of homodynamic disorders lead to increased blood and
plasma viscosity (4). It is well
understood that increased platelet aggregation results in a rise in blood
viscosity (34). In the
present study, a 10% reduction in fibrinogen following circuit resistance
exercises was associated with a 2% reduction in plasma viscosity. Researchers
have indicated that high intensity resistance exercise led to increased
platelet aggregation, but regular sports exercises led to increased plasma
volume and decreased hematocrit in proportion to blood volume and,
consequently, reduced plasma viscosity (35). Furthermore,
the utilization of a supplement from the upper part of saffron in this study
resulted in a 2.5% reduction in plasma viscosity during circuit resistance
exercises. Although there was no significant differences between this group and
the other groups, the rate of reduction was considerable in this group. This
rate of reduction seems reasonable regarding the 16% decrease in fibrinogen.
Examining the components of the upper part of saffron, it was understood that
safranal, one of the main components of saffron, didn’t exist in the bottom
part or the petal sweat of saffron. Safranal has an antioxidant property which
prevents lipid oxidation (36). The upper
part of saffron also has more linolec acid than its petal sweat or bottom part,
and it causes a reduction in vascular adhesive molecules and lipid deposits in
vessel walls. Saffron supplements lead to increased blood circulation and
decreased viscosity (20). Oleic acid
causes a reduction in ADP and collagen-stimulating platelets and, consequently,
results in a reduction of platelet aggregation (37). It seems,
therefore, that an upper part of saffron supplement coupled with short-term
circuit resistance training can cause a greater reduction in plasma fibrinogen
levels and platelets aggregation and consequently, a slight reduction in plasma
viscosity.
Studies have
indicated that plasma viscosity has a significant relationship with physical
fitness and heart function. In individuals who exercise, some parts of the
reduction in viscosity is induced by a reduction in gamma globulin levels.
Moreover, plasma viscosity and fibrinogen levels are lower in marathon runners
than in individuals who did not exercise. That is because of the increase in
plasma volume (4). This study
examined subjects who did not exercise and had low physical fitness.
Additionally, the duration of exercise and the time of saffron supplement use
was short. Possibly, the short duration of exercise resulted in little
adaptation in the cardio-respiratory system and, consequently, had little
effect on plasma viscosity. It seems that more considerable changes can be
observed with a longer duration of saffron supplement use and circuit training.
Because there is no determined mechanism for saffron supplement with circuit
training, more research is needed.
CONCLUSION
The findings of
the present study indicated that two weeks of short–term circuit resistance
exercises caused a 10% reduction in plasma fibrinogen and a 2% reduction in
plasma viscosity in proportion to pre-test data. The upper part of saffron
supplement used with circuit resistance caused 16% and 2.5% post-test
reductions, respectively, in fibrinogen and plasma viscosity. There was no
significant difference between various parts of saffron with resistance
training, but the upper part of saffron had more effects in comparison with its
petal sweat and bottom part and doubled the effects of circuit training.
Considering the results of this study, it can be concluded that saffron
supplement use combined with two weeks of circuit resistance training can
reduce cardiovascular risk factors (fibrinogen and plasma viscosity), although
supplement with the upper part of saffron in combination with saffron caused a
greater reduction in these risk factors.
APPLICABLE
REMARKS · All
parts of Crocus Sativus (Saffron) specially upper part could be
useful for athletes and non-athletes who want to improve their
ani-fibrinolytic capacity. ·
Circuit resistance training is a one of training strategies to provide
a better condition for cardiovascular functions.