Systematic review, 2026
Does saffron reduce PMS and period pain symptoms?
Yes, saffron significantly reduced both PMS symptoms and period pain in the combined analysis of randomized trials. The effect sizes were moderate, suggesting a meaningful improvement.
What they did
Systematic review and meta-analysis combining results from multiple randomized controlled trials testing saffron for PMS or dysmenorrhea. They searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct and combined the results.
What they found
Saffron significantly improved PMS symptoms with an effect size of -0.64. For period pain, saffron reduced symptoms with an effect size of -0.51. These are moderate improvements, meaning saffron showed meaningful benefits compared to placebo or control.
What it means for you
Saffron appears to help both PMS and painful periods based on the combined evidence from multiple well-designed studies. This is relatively strong evidence. The limitation is that the studies don't specify how much saffron to take, how long to take it, or how long benefits last.
-0.64
Effect on PMS symptoms (standardized effect size)
-0.51
Effect on period pain (standardized effect size)
About the study
- Original title
- Effect of saffron on premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Authors
- Mohammadi MM, Karimi Z
- Journal
- Korean journal of family medicine
- Year
- 2026
- Study design
- Systematic review
- What was tested
- Saffron
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.24.0259
Topics
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