Saffron eases PMS symptoms

Saffron might be an effective alternative treatment for premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Saffron is the world's most expensive spice, and has a long history of non-culinary uses. Traditionally, the spice is advocated for stomach pain, digestive problems and some recent clinical trials suggest that saffron may, in fact, help in mild depression. It's thought that the spice might influence depression symptoms via effects through the brain chemical serotonin. Alterations in serotonin activity are also suspected in PMS. To study the effects of saffron supplements on relieving PMS symptoms, Iranian researchers randomly assigned 50 women to take either saffron capsules or a placebo twice a day over two menstrual cycles. The women, who ranged in age from 20 to 45 years, had PMS symptoms such as cramps, bloating, irritability and fatigue for at least six months. At the end of the treatment period, three-fourth of the women on saffron capsules reported at least a 50 per cent reduction in their PMS symptoms compared with only eight per cent of women in the placebo group. In addition, 60 per cent of the saffron group also showed a 50 per cent improvement in depression symptoms versus one woman in the placebo group. The findings support the idea that saffron may affect serotonin activity, and help ease not only depression symptoms, but also PMS. However, larger, long-term studies are needed to confirm these findings.