The effect of Crocus sativus (saffron) on the severity of premenstrual syndrome

Abstract

IntroductionPremenstrual syndrome is one of the most common problems for women during their reproductive age and has wider impacts affecting their family and their work. Herbal products are a suggested way of treating the syndrome. This research was carried out to identify whether saffron could have an effect on the severity of premenstrual syndrome among female students. MethodsThis randomized triple-blind controlled clinical trial was carried out with 78 students aged 18–35 years residing in university accommodation. The intervention group received capsules containing 30mg of dried extract of saffron stigma once a day and the control group received placebo capsules for two menstrual cycles. The data gathering instrument consisted of questionnaire, the DASS21 scale, and premenstrual symptoms assessment form. ResultsAt the beginning of the study, the two groups did not differ significantly in terms of their mean severity of PMS (P=0.81). At the end of the study, the changes of the mean severity of PMS were significantly different compared with those in the beginning: P<0.001 for the intervention group, and p=0.04 for the control group. In total, the two groups had significant differences in terms of changes in the mean severity of PMS over time (P<0.001). ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that saffron reduces the severity of PMS symptoms, but in order to prove its effectiveness for the treatment of this syndrome, further research is warranted.