Saffron for PMS: Benefits, Research & What the Science Says
James QuigleyShare
SAFFRON & WOMEN'S WELLNESS
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can affect mood, energy, concentration, appetite, sleep and physical comfort in the days leading up to a menstrual period. As interest in natural wellness continues to grow, researchers have investigated whether saffron (Crocus sativus) may have a role in supporting women during the premenstrual phase.
Saffron is already widely studied for its naturally occurring compounds and potential relationship with mood and emotional well-being. Interestingly, human clinical research has also examined saffron specifically in women experiencing PMS.
Below, we take an in-depth look at what PMS is, why saffron has attracted scientific interest, what clinical trials have found, and what women should know before adding a saffron supplement to their wellness routine.
What Is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?
Premenstrual syndrome refers to a collection of physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms that can occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle—the period of time after ovulation and before menstruation begins.
PMS does not look exactly the same for everyone. Some women primarily experience emotional changes, while others notice physical discomfort, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances or difficulty concentrating.
Commonly Reported PMS Symptoms
- Mood changes
- Irritability
- Feeling more emotional than usual
- Changes in appetite
- Food cravings
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in sleep
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches
- Physical discomfort
The severity and combination of symptoms can vary considerably from person to person and even from one menstrual cycle to another.
Because PMS can involve emotional, behavioral and physical symptoms, researchers have investigated numerous lifestyle, nutritional and botanical approaches. One botanical that has attracted scientific attention is saffron.
Can Saffron Help With PMS? What Does the Research Say?
The relationship between saffron and PMS has been investigated in human clinical research. This is an important distinction because many supplement claims found online are based primarily on traditional use, laboratory experiments or animal studies.
In the case of saffron and PMS, researchers have conducted randomized controlled human trials, and the evidence has also been evaluated in a systematic review and meta-analysis.
The findings are promising, but they should be interpreted carefully. Research showing an association between saffron supplementation and improvements in symptom scores does not mean that saffron has been proven to cure PMS, nor does it guarantee that every woman will experience the same results.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study on Saffron and PMS
One of the most frequently cited clinical studies examining saffron for PMS was published in 2008 in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
The study was designed as a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. This type of study design is particularly useful because neither the participants nor the researchers assessing them know who is receiving the active intervention versus placebo during the blinded portion of the trial.
Researchers enrolled women between the ages of 20 and 45 who had regular menstrual cycles and had experienced PMS symptoms for at least six months.
Participants were randomly assigned to receive either:
- Saffron: 30 mg per day, provided as 15 mg twice daily
- Placebo: placebo capsules twice daily
The intervention was evaluated over two menstrual cycles.
Researchers used the Daily Symptom Report as a primary outcome measure and also assessed participants using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.
According to the published results, significant differences were observed between saffron and placebo in the measured premenstrual symptom scores during the study period.
The researchers considered the results encouraging while also emphasizing that the findings warranted further investigation.
Read the Study
Agha-Hosseini M, Kashani L, Aleyaseen A, et al. Crocus sativus L. (saffron) in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a double-blind, randomised and placebo-controlled trial.
Why Is This Study Important?
This trial is particularly relevant because researchers were not simply studying saffron for general mood or wellness. They specifically recruited women experiencing PMS and evaluated changes in premenstrual symptoms.
At the same time, one study should never be treated as definitive proof. Sample size, saffron formulation, study duration, participant characteristics and other factors can influence clinical research results.
That's why looking at the broader body of evidence is important.
What Does the Broader Research Say About Saffron and PMS?
More recent researchers have looked beyond individual trials and evaluated the available randomized clinical evidence collectively.
A systematic review and meta-analysis examining saffron for PMS and dysmenorrhea screened research databases including PubMed, Web of Science and ScienceDirect for randomized clinical trials.
The meta-analysis reported an overall beneficial effect of saffron on PMS symptom scores. The researchers also evaluated evidence involving dysmenorrhea, which refers to painful menstruation.
Importantly, PMS and dysmenorrhea are not the same condition. PMS generally describes symptoms occurring before menstruation, whereas dysmenorrhea refers specifically to menstrual pain. Keeping these concepts separate is important when interpreting research.
Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis
Effect of saffron on premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
A meta-analysis can provide useful perspective because it combines evidence across eligible studies rather than relying on the outcome of a single experiment.
Nevertheless, meta-analyses are still influenced by the quality, size, methodology and consistency of the studies included. Additional high-quality research can help researchers better understand which saffron preparations, amounts, populations and durations may be most relevant.
Why Are Researchers Interested in Saffron?
Saffron comes from the red stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower. Although it is best known as one of the world's most valuable culinary spices, saffron contains several naturally occurring plant compounds that have attracted considerable scientific interest.
Among the most frequently discussed compounds found in saffron are:
- Crocin — a carotenoid compound responsible for much of saffron's distinctive red-orange color.
- Crocetin — another naturally occurring carotenoid related to crocin.
- Safranal — an aromatic compound that contributes significantly to saffron's characteristic fragrance.
- Picrocrocin — a naturally occurring compound associated with saffron's characteristic bitter flavor.
Scientists continue to study saffron and these compounds across a range of areas involving mood, emotional wellness, sleep, cognitive health and other aspects of well-being.
If you'd like a much deeper explanation of saffron, saffron extract, its naturally occurring compounds, serving sizes, supplement formats and quality considerations, visit our complete guide:
Recommended:
The Ultimate Guide to Saffron Supplements →
Saffron, PMS and Mood: Why This Connection Is Interesting
Mood-related symptoms are one reason the saffron-PMS connection has generated interest.
Many women report changes in emotional well-being during the premenstrual portion of their cycle. Irritability, feeling more emotional than usual and changes in mood may occur alongside physical symptoms.
Separately from PMS research, saffron has been studied extensively for its potential relationship with mood and emotional wellness. Researchers continue to investigate the biological mechanisms that might help explain these observations.
This does not establish saffron as a treatment for a psychiatric condition or for PMS. However, the broader mood research provides scientific context for why investigators became interested in studying saffron specifically during the premenstrual period.
Related Reading:
Best Saffron Supplement for Women: What to Look For →
Can Saffron Help With PMS Cravings?
Changes in appetite and food cravings are commonly associated with the premenstrual period, which raises another interesting question: could saffron have a relationship with PMS-related cravings?
Saffron has been investigated separately in research involving appetite and snacking behavior. However, evidence involving appetite should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that saffron specifically reduces PMS cravings.
Those are different research questions.
At this stage, it is more accurate to say that saffron has attracted research interest in multiple areas—including mood, appetite-related behavior and women's wellness—rather than claiming that saffron has been proven to eliminate food cravings associated with PMS.
This distinction matters because responsible supplement education should separate what research directly demonstrates from hypotheses that still require additional study.
Does Saffron Help With Period Cramps?
This question often appears alongside searches for saffron and PMS, but there is an important distinction.
PMS and menstrual cramps are not identical.
PMS refers to a broader collection of emotional and physical symptoms occurring before menstruation. Dysmenorrhea refers to painful menstruation and is commonly associated with menstrual cramps.
Research has examined saffron in relation to both PMS and dysmenorrhea, and the systematic review and meta-analysis cited above reported findings involving both categories.
However, anyone experiencing severe menstrual pain, unusually heavy bleeding, symptoms that suddenly change, or menstrual symptoms that interfere substantially with everyday life should speak with a qualified healthcare professional rather than relying on a dietary supplement.
How Long Does Saffron Take to Work for PMS?
There isn't enough evidence to establish one universal timeline for saffron and PMS, and individual responses to dietary supplements can vary considerably.
One important observation from the clinical research is that saffron was evaluated over multiple menstrual cycles, rather than being used once immediately before symptoms appeared.
In the 2008 randomized placebo-controlled study discussed above, participants received saffron during two menstrual cycles.
This does not mean everyone should expect a particular result after two cycles. It simply describes how saffron was administered in that specific study.
Research findings using one specific saffron preparation and dose also cannot automatically be applied to every saffron supplement sold commercially.
Consistency, ingredient composition, extract characteristics, serving size and individual differences can all matter when evaluating dietary supplement research.
How Much Saffron Was Used in PMS Research?
In the 2008 randomized controlled trial, researchers used 30 mg of saffron per day, divided into two 15 mg doses.
This is useful scientific context, but it should not be interpreted as a universal dosage recommendation.
Different saffron products may use different raw materials, extracts, concentrations and specifications. Milligram amounts therefore cannot always be compared directly from one formulation to another.
Consumers should follow the serving directions provided on their specific supplement rather than attempting to reproduce a clinical study independently.
Is Saffron Only for Women?
No. Although this article focuses specifically on research involving saffron and premenstrual wellness, saffron is studied and used by both women and men.
Research interest surrounding saffron extends into areas such as mood, emotional well-being, cognitive wellness, sleep and other aspects of health.
PMS research represents just one specialized area within a much broader scientific literature surrounding Crocus sativus.
What Should You Look for in a Saffron Supplement?
Interest in saffron has led to a growing number of saffron capsules, extracts, gummies and powders on the market. These products are not necessarily equivalent.
When comparing saffron supplements, consider more than just the number on the front of the bottle.
1. Clearly Identified Saffron
Look for clear ingredient information identifying saffron as Crocus sativus.
2. Transparent Serving Information
Check both the serving size and the amount of saffron provided per complete serving.
3. Extract Information
Raw saffron powder and saffron extracts are not necessarily interchangeable. Extraction methods and ingredient specifications can differ.
4. Third-Party Testing
Independent laboratory testing can provide an additional level of quality verification and transparency.
5. Manufacturing Standards
Consider where the supplement is manufactured and what quality-control standards are used.
6. Realistic Claims
Be cautious of any supplement promising to cure PMS, instantly eliminate menstrual symptoms or guarantee a particular result.
Where Does Leah Rose Essentials Saffron Fit In?
Leah Rose Essentials Saffron Supplement provides 88.5 mg of saffron per serving in a convenient two-capsule daily serving. Each bottle contains 60 vegan capsules.
Our saffron supplement is made in the USA, third-party lab tested, non-GMO, vegan and gluten free, with a focus on ingredient transparency and quality.
It is important to note that the amount used in a particular clinical study should not be directly compared with a commercial saffron supplement based solely on milligrams. Extract specifications, concentration and formulation can differ.
We encourage customers to evaluate saffron supplements based on the complete picture: ingredient identity, serving size, extract information, manufacturing standards, testing and transparency.
Want to learn more about saffron?
Explore the Ultimate Guide to Saffron Supplements →
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Frequently Asked Questions About Saffron and PMS
Can saffron help with PMS?
Human clinical research has investigated saffron in women experiencing PMS, and randomized controlled research has reported improvements in measured PMS symptom scores compared with placebo. A systematic review and meta-analysis has also reported an overall beneficial effect. However, more research is useful, and saffron should not be considered a cure or treatment for PMS.
Has saffron actually been studied for PMS?
Yes. Saffron has been evaluated specifically in randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled human research involving women with PMS. This makes the topic different from wellness claims based solely on traditional use or laboratory research.
How much saffron was used in PMS research?
One randomized placebo-controlled study used 30 mg of saffron per day, divided into two 15 mg doses. This describes the research protocol and should not be interpreted as a universal dosage recommendation because saffron products and extracts can differ.
How long was saffron taken in the PMS study?
In the 2008 randomized controlled trial, saffron was administered over two menstrual cycles. Individual results and timelines may vary.
Can saffron help with PMS mood changes?
Mood-related symptoms are part of the reason saffron is scientifically interesting in the context of PMS. Saffron has also been studied separately in research involving mood and emotional well-being. However, saffron supplements should not be considered a treatment for a mood disorder or PMS.
Can saffron help with PMS cravings?
Saffron has been researched separately in relation to appetite and snacking behavior, but that does not prove that saffron specifically reduces PMS-related food cravings. More targeted research would be needed to answer that question.
Is PMS the same as menstrual cramps?
No. PMS describes a collection of symptoms that generally occur before menstruation, while dysmenorrhea refers to painful menstruation. Research has investigated saffron in relation to both, but they are distinct conditions.
Can I take saffron every day?
Many saffron supplements are formulated for daily use. Follow the directions on the specific product label and consult a healthcare professional if you have a medical condition, take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have questions about whether saffron is appropriate for you.
What should I look for when buying a saffron supplement?
Look for clear labeling, identification of saffron as Crocus sativus, transparent serving information, meaningful quality-control practices, third-party testing and realistic claims. You can learn more in the Leah Rose Essentials Ultimate Guide to Saffron Supplements.
Scientific Research & References
The following scientific publications provide additional information about saffron and premenstrual health:
- Agha-Hosseini M, Kashani L, Aleyaseen A, Ghoreishi A, Rahmanpour H, Zarrinara AR, Akhondzadeh S. Crocus sativus L. (saffron) in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a double-blind, randomised and placebo-controlled trial. BJOG. 2008;115(4):515-519.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18271889/ -
Effect of saffron on premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41151539/
Scientific understanding evolves as additional studies are published. Readers interested in saffron research should consider the totality of available evidence rather than relying on any single study.
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