The Effect of Aerobic Exercise and Oral Consumption of Iranian Saffron Flower on Nesfatin-1 and Omentin-1 in Obese Women with Type 2 Diabetes

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise and oral consumption of Iranian saffron flower on Nesfatin-1 and Omentin-1 in obese women with type 2 diabetes. Forty-four people from the research community were randomly selected and divided into four groups (11 people in each group) 1. supplement + exercise, 2. exercise + placebo, 3. placebo and 4. supplement. The training protocol in the first session included 20 minutes of activity with an intensity of 40 to 45% of the maximum heart rate, increased by 5 minutes every week for 9 weeks and 5% of the intensity of activity every two weeks. Due to the lack of regular physical activity and low physical fitness of these people, aerobic exercise started with a heart rate of 40-45% of the maximum heart rate and the intensity and duration of exercise increased gradually and continuously every week. The placebo and saffron supplement groups were asked not to exercise during this period. The amount of 200 mg of powdered saffron flower in capsules of the same color and shape with placebo capsules containing 200 mg of wheat flour was prepared. The results within the group indicated a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test of omentin-1 and nesfatin-1 in all groups except the placebo group (P≤0.05). Besides, the comparison of the results between groups in the variables of omentin-1 and nesfatin-1 showed a significant difference between all groups receiving the intervention in the post-test phase with the placebo group (P=0.0001). Although exercise has benefits in improving diabetics, but according to the results of the present study, supplementation with saffron extract can lead to a further increase in omentin-1 and nesfatin-1.