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

Premenstrual 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.
Methods: This 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
30 mg 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.
Results: At 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).
Conclusion: The 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