Abstract
Background: The use of a single sauna for decreasing weight quickly has a significantly negative impact on the health. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Saffron aqueous extracts on maximal oxygen uptake, serum lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant capacity of young men athlete following a single Sauna leads to a 4 percent body weight loss.
Methods: In a semi-experimental study twenty young athletic men were randomly divided into two equal groups of 1- control 2- supplement. Subjects in supplement group consumed 5 mg /kg/day of saffron for 4 days, whiles other group received the same amount of placebo (lactose). After four days of supplementation all subjects lost 4% of their body weight by dehydration in dry sauna. Serum total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde levels were measured in three stages, (baseline, and 4h before and immediately after sauna) and vo2 max was measured in two stages (1week before and immediately after sauna).
Results: The mean age, weight, and body fat were 22.60+0.98 years, 76.07+5.11 kg, and 18.06+1.64 percent, respectively. The vo2 max in the two groups after sauna significantly decreased (p=0/001). As well as total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde levels in the only control group after sauna significantly decreased and increased respectively (p=0/001).
Conclusion: It can be concluded that the use of saffron extract improved levels of serum total antioxidant capacity, and thereby it significantly prevented the increase of in serum malondialdehyde after sauna. However the uses of saffron extract no significant effect on prevented the decrease in vo2 max after sauna.