Comparison of Saffron (<I>crocus sativus</I> l.) and Atorvastatin for Anti-dyslipidaemic and Anti-Oxidant Effects in Dyslipidaemia Male Rat Models

Dyslipidaemia is characterized by abnormal blood lipid profiles and is commonly treated with atorvastatin. However, its effectiveness may be reduced due to statin intolerance (SI). Saffron has gained interest as an alternative due to its potential lipid-modulating and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to compare the anti-dyslipidaemic and antioxidant effects of saffron extract and atorvastatin in male Wistar rats with dyslipidaemia. Thirty male Wistar rats (90 days old, 150–200 g) were divided into five groups. Group P1 received a standard diet, while groups P2–P5 were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 15 days to induce dyslipidaemia. Groups P3 and P4 received saffron extract at doses of 16 mg/200 g BW and 32 mg/200 g BW, respectively, while group P5 received atorvastatin at 0.2 mg/200 g BW. Lipid profiles (total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides (TG)) were assessed on days 16 and 37. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA), an oxidative stress marker, was measured on day 37. Results showed that saffron extract at 32 mg/200 g BW/day significantly reduced TC, LDL, and TG levels, and increased HDL compared to the 16 mg/200 g BW/day dose. However, atorvastatin showed greater improvements in the lipid profile. Saffron at 32 mg/200 g BW/day also led to a greater reduction in serum MDA levels than doses of 16 mg/200 g BW/day and atorvastatin. Saffron demonstrated superior antioxidant activity, while its lipid-lowering effect was inferior to atorvastatin. Further research involving inflammatory biomarkers is needed to better elucidate its therapeutic potential.