Korean J Fam Med.  2026 Jan;47(1):69-80. 10.4082/kjfm.24.0259.

Effect of saffron on premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea: a systematic review and meta-analysis

• Mohammadi MM
• Karimi Z

• KMID: 2576187
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.24.0259

Abstract

Background
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and dysmenorrhea are common symptoms in women. In this study, we investigated the effects of saffron on PMS and dysmenorrhea in women.
Methods
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we comprehensively screened a range of databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct. We included randomized clinical trials investigating the effects of saffron on PMS or dysmenorrhea. Quality assessment of the identified studies was conducted using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool. Meta-analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software ver. 2 based on the random effects model.
Results
Meta-analysis revealed that saffron had a significant positive effect on the symptoms of PMS in women (standardized mean difference [SMD], –0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], –0.84 to –0.44). Furthermore, saffron was effective in reducing dysmenorrhea (SMD, –0.51; 95% CI, –1.01 to –0.01).
Conclusion
The findings of our meta-analysis indicate that saffron exerts beneficial effects on the symptoms of both PMS and dysmenorrhea in women.

Keyword

Crocus; Premenstrual Syndrome; Dysmenorrhea; Systematic Review