Objective: We sought to determine the independent and combined effects of saffron and resistance training on markers of inflammation and cardiovascular risk factors in elderly hypertensive patients.

Methods: Hypertensive older men were randomly assigned to a control group (C) or one of three experimental groups [saffron consumption (S), resistance training (R), and resistance training + saffron (RS)] for 12 weeks. Inflammatory markers and lipid profiles were measured at baseline and following the 12-week intervention period. Patients in S and RS received one tablet containing 200 mg of saffron daily. Primary outcomes were analyzed using univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).

Results: The RS group had significantly greater reductions in leptin, resistin, MCP-1, and IL-6 as compared with the C, S, and R groups (ps < 0.05). In addition, the RS, S, and R groups had significantly greater reductions in TC and greater increases in HDL-c as compared with the C group (ps < 0.05), but there were no differences between the RS, S, and R groups. Finally, there were no differences between groups for TNF-α, homocysteine, and hs-CRP (ps > 0.05).

Conclusion: Combining Saffron and resistance training can reduce inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk factors associated with increased risk for hypertension in older men with hypertension.