Probable antioxidant therapy of Saffron Crocin in patients with multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Multiple Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurological condition  might emerge as a result ofcomplex combination of genetic risk factors with environmental triggers, including oxidative stress. in this study we aimed to evaluate the effects of oral Crocin on oxidative stress in patients with MS.  Materials and Methods: Adjunct to standard treatment, the Crocin group (20 patients) received 30-mg/day (15 mg twice daily) dose of Crocin and placebo group (20 patients) received for 4 weeks. Saliva and urine samples were collected to determine the levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase activity (CAT), total thiol groups (TTG), lipid peroxidation (LPO), were measured at baseline and the end of the study.   Results: At baseline, there were no significant differences of LPO, TAC, CAT, and TTG of urine between the control and case groups. However, a significant difference was found after 4 weeks of Crocin-therapy in TTG,TAC and LPO (p<0.05) except in CAT activity (P>0.05). We found no deffrence in urinary TTG level and CAT activity in control group at the end of intervention (P>0.05), while TAC and LPO level were significantly different at the end of the study as compared with the beginning (P<0.05). Althugh, we found no significant difference in saliva LPO, TTG and TAC levels and the activity of CAT in case and control groups at first (p>0.05), Crocin administration have resulted in a significant increase in saliva TTG and TAC levels as well as CAT activity and markedly decrease in LPO level (p<0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, Crocin can significantly reduce the several oxidative stress factors in MS patients and may contributes to attenuates the oxidative damages.