The effect of saffron (Crocus sativus) supplementation and endurance training on lactate dehydrogenase levels, vitamin D, and clinical symptoms in outpatients with COVID-19

Halalkhor, Fateme; Pourrahim Ghouroghchi, Ameneh; Siahkouhian, Marefat

doi:10.48307/FMSJ.2025.29.2.150

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Volume 29, Issue 2 (Bimothly 2025)

Feyz Med Sci J 2025, 29(2): 149-156

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The effect of saffron (Crocus sativus) supplementation and endurance training on lactate dehydrogenase levels, vitamin D, and clinical symptoms in outpatients with COVID-19

Fateme Halalkhor

, Ameneh Pourrahim Ghouroghchi ^*

, Marefat Siahkouhian

Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran , amenehpoorrahim@yahoo.com

Abstract: (341 Views)

Background and Aim: Common clinical symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, fatigue, and persistent cough. Saffron possesses antiviral and immune-boosting properties, while exercise is a beneficial non-pharmacological approach for improving immune function. This study aimed to investigate the effects of saffron supplementation and endurance training on lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, vitamin D status, and clinical symptoms in outpatients with COVID-19.
Methods: This interventional study was conducted with written informed consent. The study population consisted of COVID-19 outpatients visiting the Kashkasaray Health Center between February 2022 and May 2022, from which 36 participants were randomly selected. Research hypotheses were analyzed using SPSS software with a significance level of P<0.05, employing repeated-measures ANOVA with between-group factors.
Results: Endurance training and saffron supplementation significantly reduced lactate dehydrogenase levels (P ≤ 0.05). No interaction effect was observed between measurement phases and groups for respiratory rate, although differences were noted across measurement stages (P < 0.001). No significant within-group, between-group, or interaction effects were found for cough frequency and vitamin D levels (P ≥ 0.05).
Conclusion: The findings suggest that saffron supplementation and regular exercise may enhance immune response and help manage clinical symptoms in COVID-19 outpatients. However, further research is warranted.

Keywords: Exercise, Saffron, Coronavirus, Lactate dehydrogenase, Vitamin D

Full-Text [PDF 459 kb] (63 Downloads)

Type of Study: Research | Subject: General
Received: 2025/02/22 | Revised: 2025/07/7 | Accepted: 2025/05/21 | Published: 2025/07/1

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Halalkhor F, Pourrahim Ghouroghchi A, Siahkouhian M. The effect of saffron (Crocus sativus) supplementation and endurance training on lactate dehydrogenase levels, vitamin D, and clinical symptoms in outpatients with COVID-19. Feyz Med Sci J 2025; 29 (2) :149-156
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