--- title: Does saffron extract reduce premenstrual symptoms? | Niyora description: Women who took saffron extract reported improvements in emotional and physical symptoms after 2 cycles, but the study had no control group so we cannot be cer url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/effects-of-a-standardized-saffron-extract-on-premenstrual-symptoms-an-open-label-2026/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does saffron extract reduce premenstrual symptoms? Non-randomised trial, 2026 # Does saffron extract reduce premenstrual symptoms? Women who took saffron extract reported improvements in emotional and physical symptoms after 2 cycles, but the study had no control group so we cannot be certain the saffron caused these improvements. Early or limited evidence Women aged 20-45 in California with recurrent premenstrual symptoms. ## What they did Open-label study conducted in California. Women aged 20-45 with recurrent premenstrual symptoms took one 30 mg capsule of standardized saffron extract daily for a 10-day window before menstruation over two consecutive cycles. They completed identical questionnaires at baseline and after each supplemented cycle. ## What they found Participants reported improvements in psychological symptoms including quality of life impact, emotional imbalance, irritability, and nervousness. They also reported improvements in physical symptoms including appetite changes, digestive discomfort, physical fatigue, and water retention. Compliance was high and no adverse effects were reported. ## What it means for you This is preliminary evidence from a small open-label study with no control group. The reported improvements could be due to placebo effect or expectations rather than the saffron itself. A larger randomized controlled trial is needed to establish whether saffron truly helps reduce PMS symptoms. 30 mg saffron extract per capsule 10 days perimenstrual treatment window 2 consecutive menstrual cycles ## About the study Original title Effects of a Standardized Saffron Extract on Premenstrual Symptoms: An Open-Label, Exploratory, Real-World Consumer Study Authors Emmanuelle Arnaud Journal Journal of Nutrition and Health Year 2026 Study design Non-randomised trial What was tested 30 mg standardized saffron extract (Safr'Inside) taken daily for 10 days before menstruation. Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.13188/2469-4185.1000044](https://doi.org/10.13188/2469-4185.1000044) Original abstract Background: Premenstrual syndrome is a common cyclical condition characterized by emotional and physical symptoms that may affect daily functioning and quality of life.Because many women rely on analgesics to manage these symptoms, interest is growing in complementary approaches that may help support both psychological-related and physical complaints.Objective: To assess the tolerability and perceived effects of a patented standardized saffron extract (Safr'Inside™) on premenstrual symptoms under real-life conditions.Methods: An open-label, exploratory, real-world consumer study with medical oversight was conducted in California in women aged 20-45 years reporting recurrent premenstrual symptoms.Participants consumed one capsule containing 30 mg of a standardized saffron extract during a 10-day perimenstrual window over two consecutive cycles.PMS-related symptoms were assessed at baseline and after each supplemented cycle using an identical structured questionnaire (Q0, Q1 and Q2).The questionnaire captured 16 psychological and physical symptoms rated on a 0-10 Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), as well as treatment use, satisfaction, tolerability, and compliance.Results: Across both supplemented cycles, Safr'Inside™ use was associated with self-reported improvements in emotional and physical symptoms.Participants reported improvements in both psychological-related outcomes (including quality of life impact, emotional imbalance, irritability, and nervousness) and physical symptoms (including appetite changes, digestive discomfort, physical fatigue, and water retention).Compliance was high and no adverse effects were reported. Conclusions:In this open-label, exploratory, real-world consumer study, 10-day supplementation with a standardized saffron extract, administered 5 days before the onset of menstruation, was associated with self-reported improvements in both emotional and physical premenstrual symptoms under everyday conditions.These findings should be interpreted cautiously and considered as preliminary complementary real-world evidence. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Saffron](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-saffron/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Survey study, 2025 Does PMDD or PMS affect quality of life? Survey study, 2022 What causes PMS and PMDD and what new treatments are being studied? Survey study, 2020 What symptoms best predict whether PMDD will seriously affect daily life? Systematic review, 2014 Do acupuncture and herbal medicine help PMS or PMDD symptoms? Review, 2013 What treatments work best for PMDD? Review, 2009 What causes PMDD and what are the treatment options? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗