Study, 2025

Can saffron extract help with PMS or PMDD symptoms?

This review of existing studies suggests saffron extracts, such as a standardized form called Affron, may improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression in PMS and PMDD, with few side effects. It summarizes other research rather than a new trial, so certainty is limited.

Early or limited evidence Not a new group of patients; this review covers earlier studies in women with PMS, PMDD, menopause symptoms, or sexual difficulties.

What they did

This is a review that brings together existing scientific and clinical studies on saffron, a plant used in medicine for a long time. It looks at saffron's active ingredients and how they may affect mood, hormones, and sexual function in women, drawing on earlier clinical studies of PMS, PMDD, menopause symptoms, and sexual difficulties.

What they found

Saffron contains compounds the review describes as having antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and nerve-protecting effects. Earlier clinical studies cited in the review found saffron improved PMS, PMDD, menopausal discomfort, and sexual difficulties. A standardized extract called Affron was reported to improve mood, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve sleep and hormone-related symptoms, with minimal side effects at the doses used in those studies.

What it means for you

Saffron extract may be a non-hormonal option worth discussing with a doctor for PMS and PMDD, but because this is a review of other people's studies rather than a new trial, we cannot be fully sure how large or reliable the benefit is. The right dose matters, since higher amounts of saffron can be harmful.

About the study

Original title: Effect of Saffron Extracts on Reproductive Function
Authors: Gulnara Huseynova
Journal: NATURE AND SCIENCE
Year: 2025
Study design: Study
What was tested: Saffron extract, including a standardized form called Affron.
Open access: Yes
Read the paper: doi.org/10.36719/2707-1146/57/31-34

Topics

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)Low mood and depression SSRIs and antidepressants Saffron Other herbal medicine Work and productivity

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