Randomised trial, 2020
Does saffron reduce PMS symptoms as well as fluoxetine?
Yes, saffron reduced PMS symptoms similarly to fluoxetine and may even be better for breast and abdominal pain with potentially fewer side effects.
What they did
Three-blind randomized controlled trial with 164 working women and relatives with PMS, divided into two groups of 82. One group received fluoxetine, the other received saffron, for 2 months. Symptoms were assessed with a questionnaire on day 5 of the menstrual cycle and with validated questionnaires (PRISM and Beck) at the end of treatment.
What they found
Both saffron and fluoxetine reduced symptoms including abdominal bloating, depression, and mood swings. Saffron was better at relieving breast and abdominal pain than fluoxetine.
What it means for you
Saffron may be as effective as fluoxetine for PMS with potentially fewer side effects. However, this is only one study, so more research is needed to confirm.
164
Women with PMS
82
Participants in each group
2 months
Duration of treatment
About the study
- Original title
- Comparison of Saffron versus Fluoxetine in Treatment of Women with Premenstrual Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study
- Authors
- Mohammad Nematshahi
- Journal
- Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
- Year
- 2020
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 164
- What was tested
- Saffron versus fluoxetine for 2 months
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v14i2.3191
Topics
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