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Systematic review, 2023

Does saffron help with PMS, labor pain, and menopause symptoms?

Yes, saffron improves mood and reduces psychological symptoms of PMS and menopause, and helps reduce labor pain and recovery time, though limited studies exist.

Strong study design 20 randomized controlled trials of saffron use in PMS, labor, childbirth, and menopause

What they did

Systematic review based on PICO process. Researchers searched 8 databases through February 2023. From 164 articles, they selected 20 randomized controlled trials with quality scores of 3 or above on the Jadad scale.

What they found

Saffron improved Bishop's score (a measure of labor progress), reduced labor fatigue and pain, and improved episiotomy healing. It improved mood and reduced psychological symptoms of PMS and menopause. Two studies showed saffron reduced postpartum depression.

What it means for you

Saffron appears effective for reducing PMS mood symptoms and labor pain, but only 20 rigorous studies were available. More well-designed research is needed to confirm saffron's effects and establish safe dosing.

20

randomized controlled trials included

164

articles initially screened

About the study

Original title
Efficacy of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in Premenstrual Syndrome, Labor, Childbirth, and Menopause: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials
Authors
Morvarid Irani, Seyyedeh adeleh Rahmanian, Narges Sadat Soltani
Journal
Modern Care Journal
Year
2023
Study design
Systematic review
What was tested
Saffron (Crocus sativus L.)
Open access
Yes

Topics