Saffron and premenstrual syndrome:
Women aged 20-45 years with regular menstrual cycles and who had experienced premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms for at least 6 months were randomly assigned to receive capsule saffron (Crocus sativus L.) 30 mg/day (15 mg twice a day; morning and evening) (group A) or placebo (twice a day) for two menstrual cycles (cycles 3 and 4). In a double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial, saffron was found to be effective in relieving symptoms of PMS. A significant difference was observed in efficacy of saffron in cycles 3 and 4 in the Total Premenstrual Daily Symptoms and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. These findings suggest that saffron is effective in the treatment of PMS. (7)