Randomised trial, 2008
Does saffron help relieve PMS symptoms?
Yes, saffron at 30 mg daily was effective in reducing PMS symptoms including mood-related symptoms compared to placebo.
What they did
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of women aged 20-45 with regular periods and PMS for at least 6 months. Women received either 30 mg daily saffron (15 mg twice daily) or placebo for 2 menstrual cycles. Main symptoms were measured daily and mood was assessed with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.
What they found
Saffron was significantly more effective than placebo in improving total premenstrual daily symptoms and depressive symptoms in cycles 3 and 4.
What it means for you
Saffron may be an option for PMS relief. However, the study abstract does not report the sample size, which limits assessment of how strong the evidence is. More research is needed.
30 mg/day
total daily saffron dose
15 mg
dose per administration
2
menstrual cycles tested
About the study
- Original title
- Crocus sativus L. (saffron) in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a double-blind, randomised and placebo-controlled trial
- Authors
- Agha-Hosseini M, Kashani L, Aleyaseen A et al.
- Journal
- BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
- Year
- 2008
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- Saffron 30 mg daily (15 mg twice daily)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.2007.01652.x
Topics
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