Interactive effect of saffron supplement and resistance training on serum levels of sex hormones in young men

Interactive effect of saffron supplement and resistance training on serum levels of sex hormones in young men
Strength training is one of the essential factors of stimulating and releasing hormones. This type of exercise can increase the level of strength, endurance, muscle mass, and rehabilitation. It also prevents injury and heightens sex hormones.
Hormones are involved in many physiological processes of the body; therefore, hormonal activities are related to the type of exercise and athletic performance leading to the plasma concentrations of sex hormones during exercise. A large number of studies have shown that the amount of hormones involved in the reproductive process depends on age, sex, and stimulation of physical activity. With regard to gender, the main role of hormones in men is related to sperm production and stimulation.
Nowadays, sport science is considered as one of the necessities of modern exercise in order to enhance proper nutrition and nutritional supplements. However, many nutritionists prefer traditional medicines due to the side effects of chemical supplements introduced in the media. One of the medicinal plants that affect male sex hormones is saffron. Scientifically named Crocus sativus, saffron is a species of flowering plant from the iris family Iridaceae known as the health flower, king of spices, and red gold. Saffron is mostly used as a food seasoning because of its unique flavor and aroma. The most important constituents of saffron are crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal. Saffron has been used in traditional medicine for its positive effects on sex drive as well as antispasmodic, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory activities. It is also used in the treatment of a wide range of disorders, such as cardiovascular disease and brain injury. Saffron extract has been reported to have positive effects on fat loss, memory enhancement, purity of blood, cholesterol level, and blood pressure, purity of spleen and liver purifier, and reproductive organs development. Generally, saffron is among oral medications with significant pharmacological effects.
Considering the above-mentioned issues, a study was conducted to answer whether saffron supplementation and resistance training interact with testosterone, FSH, and LH in young men.
This study was performed on young men in two experimental groups of exercise and exercise plus supplement. The obtained results indicated that six weeks of resistance training and saffron supplementation independently had a significant effect on the increase in testosterone, FSH, and LH in young men. However, combination of saffron supplementation with resistance training had a greater effect on increasing these hormones function. Accordingly, it can be concluded that saffron supplementation and resistance training increase the reproductive function of young men. Therefore, combination of saffron supplementation with saffron supplementation can be used to increase the levels of testosterone, FSH, and LH.