The effect of saffron extract consumption on some coagulation indices in trained and untrained male Wistar rats following exhaustion activity

Background& purpose:Aerobic exercise and saffron have beneficial effects on hemostasis. This study was conducted to determine the effect of saffron extract consumption on certain coagulation indices in trained and untrained male Wistar rats following an exhaustive exercise session. Methods: In this experimental study, 48 Wistar rats were randomly divided into four equal groups: control (C), saffron extract (SE), aerobic exercise (AT), and aerobic exercise + saffron extract (AT+SE). Aerobic exercise was performed for 8 weeks (5 days per week). Saffron extract was administered daily at a dose of 100 mg per kilogram of body weight by oral gavage. At the end of the study, half of the rats were sacrificed immediately before and the other half immediately after being exhausted on the treadmill. Blood clotting rates were measured using PTT and PT times. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The results showed that, however, following exhaustion, PTT and PT times were significantly reduced in all groups (p<0.05). and APTT values in the AT+SE group was significantly higher compared to the other groups [(PAPTT C=0.001; PAPTT SE=0.036; PAPTT AT=0.04) (PPT C=0.001; PPT SE=0.022; PPT AT=0.032)]. Also, PT and APTT values of AT and SE groups were significantly higher compared to group C (PAPTT SE=0.04; PAPTT AT=0.033; PPT SE=0.039: PPT AT=0.033). There was no significant difference between the other groups. Conclusions: It seems that aerobic exercise and saffron extract consumption, each independently and more effectively in combination, cause a reduction in the mean prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time at rest before exhaustion and following an exhausting bout of activity.