Does saffron supplementation improve rheumatoid arthritis disease activity?

This study investigated if saffron supplementation (SS) improves rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms. They found that SS reduced disease activity (DA) in patients with RA.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is caused by excessive inflammation. The body’s immune system starts to attack healthy joint tissue. This leads to degeneration of the joints and can lead to disability. This is also very painful. RA is treated with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These drugs reduce inflammation. Over time, patients can become unresponsive to a DMARD. They may then have to switch treatment. Some patients may be unresponsive to several DMARDs. 

Some studies suggest there may be natural compounds that can reduce inflammation. Saffron is a spice. It is used in cooking. It is also an antioxidant (ATO). ATOs reduce stress caused by oxygen atoms. These atoms are called free radicals (FRs). FRs cause oxidative stress (OS) that leads to inflammation. Saffron supplementation (SS) has been shown to reduce inflammation and pain in animals. It is unclear if SS improves disease activity (DA) in patients with RA.

This study included 66 patients with RA. Patients were randomly assigned to treatment with SS or placebo (inactive tablets). SS included 100 mg of saffron once daily. Patients were assessed at the start and end of 12 weeks of treatment. DA was measured using the Disease Activity Score (DAS28). Joint symptoms and pain were also measured. Blood samples were taken to measure inflammatory proteins. 

Patients treated with SS had a significant reduction in swollen and tender joints. Pain intensity was also reduced. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is an indicator of DA. This was also reduced. Blood tests showed a slight reduction in pro-inflammatory proteins with SS treatment. 

The authors concluded that saffron reduced DA in patients with RA.

The number of patients in this group was very low. Participants were also taking DMARDs during the trial. Larger studies are needed to confirm the findings in this study.

If you have any concerns regarding RA management please discuss this with your physician.