A randomized, placebo-controlled trial found that daily saffron extract supplementation significantly reduced overall premenstrual syndrome symptoms in women with mild-to-moderate PMS.
Source: Preprint, 110 healthy women aged 18–45 years with mild-to-moderate PMS. Posted before peer review: other scientists have not yet checked it, and results can change before it is published.
What was found
Daily supplementation with saffron extract significantly reduced overall premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptom severity compared to a placebo.
The reduction in overall PMS symptoms was significantly greater with saffron than with placebo, with differences observed at 7, 35, and 63 days of supplementation.
Significant improvements were also seen in affective symptoms, pain, and water retention, as well as psychological distress.
No adverse events were reported.
How it was done
The multicentric, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involved 110 healthy women aged 18 to 45 years who had mild-to-moderate PMS.
Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 30 mg/day of saffron extract or a placebo for three menstrual cycles.
The primary outcome measured was the total score on the Premenstrual Assessment Form–Short Form (PAF-SF).
Secondary outcomes included PAF-SF subscales for affect, pain, and water retention, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) total score for psychological distress.
What it does not show
This study is a preprint and has not yet been peer-reviewed.
Researchers at Activ’Inside, Complife Italia S.r.l., and Nutratech S.r.l. conducted this study. Activ’Inside is the company that sells the saffron extract used in the trial.
Where this fits
This study found that saffron extract reduced premenstrual syndrome symptoms in women aged 18 to 45 with mild-to-moderate PMS. Readers can check the dose studied against the label of any saffron supplement they are considering.
Read more: How to choose evidence-based supplements
Who was talking about it
- Europe PMC on journal (2026-10-22): The study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of saffron extract in reducing PMS symptoms in 110 healthy women. See the post
The source
This is news, reported from the source above. It is not medical advice and not a recommendation. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you change any medicine or supplement.