Mechanisms
Saffron-derived crocin raises CETP levels within treated patients, but not significantly versus placebo (ARYA Atheroscler 2017)
Original title: Effect of crocin, a carotenoid from saffron, on plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein and lipid profile in subjects with metabolic syndrome: A double blind randomized clinical trial
In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 22 patients with metabolic syndrome took 30 mg per day of crocin, a carotenoid from saffron, and 22 took placebo, for eight weeks. Plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein rose by 27.81 percent within the crocin group over the trial period (P = 0.013), but the difference between the crocin and placebo groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.116). Percent changes in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL, and fasting blood glucose also did not differ significantly between the groups. The authors conclude that although crocin increased serum CETP, the between-group change did not reach significance.
Original abstract
Background: Metabolic syndrome is defined by insulin resistance and a clustering of other cardiovascular risk factors. Crocin is a carotenoid derived from the stigmas of the saffron flower and had previously been shown to affect lipid profile. However, the mechanism for this function is not well understood. The present trial aimed to investigate the possible effect of crocin on plasma levels of cholesteryl ester transfer protein and lipid profile in individuals with metabolic syndrome.
Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial consisting of an 8-week treatment with crocin, or placebo tablets between April and June 2014, in the Nutrition Clinic of Ghaem Teaching Hospital, Mashhad, Iran. Participants were randomly assigned to take a 30 mg/day crocin (n = 22) in the intervention group or placebo (n = 22) in the control group. Anthropometric, hematological and biochemical parameters were measured and recorded during pre and post-treatment periods.
Results: Whilst plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein was increased in the group taking the crocin tablet by 27.81% during the trial period (P = 0.013), the difference between the crocin and placebo groups was not significant (P = 0.116). Moreover, the percent changes in cholesterol (P = 0.702), triglyceride (P = 0.080), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (P = 0.986), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (P = 0.687) and fasting blood glucose (P = 0.614) did not differ significantly between intervention and control groups.
Conclusion: Although crocin supplements increased the serum cholesteryl ester transfer protein in patients with metabolic syndrome, this change was not significant between treatment and placebo groups.
Summary written by cetpinhibition.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 19 August 2026. Methods.