Crocus sativus L. (saffron) in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a double‐blind, randomised and placebo‐controlled trial

Abstract

Objective The aim of this double-blind and placebo-controlled trial was to investigate whether saffron (stigma of Crocus sativus L.) could relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).Design Double-blind, randomised and placebo-controlled trial.Setting Departments of Gynaecology/Obstetrics and Psychiatry, Tehran and Zanjan University of Medical Sciences.Population Women aged 20-45 years with regular menstrual cycles and experience of PMS symptoms for at least 6 months were eligible for the study.Method Women were randomly assigned to receive capsule saffron 30 mg/day (15 mg twice a day; morning and evening) (group A) or capsule placebo (twice a day) for a two menstrual cycles (cycles 3 and 4).Main outcome measures The primary outcome measure was the Daily Symptom Report, and secondary outcome measure was the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.Results In this trial, saffron was found to be effective in relieving symptoms of PMS. A significant difference was observed in efficacy of saffron in cycles 3 and 4 in the Total Premenstrual Daily Symptoms and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. ConclusionThe results of this study indicate the efficacy of C. sativus L. in the treatment of PMS. However, a tolerable adverse effects profile of saffron may well confirm the application of saffron as an alternative treatment for PMS. These results deserved further investigations.

Saffron: a natural product with potential pharmaceutical applications

“…[26][27][28][29] Recent studies have shown the beneficial effects of saffron in depression, premenstrual syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. [30][31][32][33] …”

Effectiveness of Aqueous and Alcoholic Extracts of Barberry, Jujube, and Saffron Against Oxidative Stress in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

“…Jujube fruit contains flavonoids along with sterols, tannins, and saponins (5). Saffron (Crocus sativus) is a small herb belonging to the Iridaceae family (6). The extract of this plant contains alpha crocetin, water-soluble carotenoids, crocins, and safranal (7).…”

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Burden of Illness and Treatment Update

“…176 The evidence-based reviews concluded that RCTs have not suggested consistent benefit for Ginkgo biloba, evening primrose oil and homeopathic treatments but that initial positive RCTs suggest further study of massage, 177 reflexology, 178 chiropractic manipulation 179 and biofeedback. 180 Small RCTs have reported that saffron 181 and Qi therapy 182 were each superior to placebo in women with prospectively confirmed PMS. There have been positive open reports, but no RCTs, with Hypericum, 183,184 yoga, 185 guided imagery, 186 photic stimulation 187 and acupuncture.…”