By Avni Dalal, ND
For many people, the days leading up to their period can feel like an emotional rollercoaster—mood swings, irritability, cravings, fatigue, and general discomfort are all too common. While these premenstrual symptoms (collectively known as PMS) are often brushed off as just a normal part of having a period, the truth is that PMS can significantly affect quality of life.
Thankfully, emerging research suggests that saffron—a vibrant golden spice long prized in traditional medicine—may offer gentle, nonhormonal support for PMS-related symptoms. Let’s take a look at how this ancient botanical works and why it may be worth considering in your monthly wellness toolkit.
What Causes PMS?
PMS is believed to result from complex interactions between hormones (like estrogen and progesterone), neurotransmitters (especially serotonin and GABA), and inflammatory pathways. For some, these changes can trigger heightened emotional sensitivity, occasional sadness, difficulty sleeping, or increased stress response.
Most conventional strategies focus on pain relief or hormone modulation, but saffron offers a plant-based alternative that supports the neurotransmitter pathways involved in mood regulation—without acting directly on hormones.*
How Saffron Supports PMS Symptoms
Clinical studies have shown that saffron can help support a positive mood, reduce occasional anxiousness, and promote emotional balance—all key components in PMS support.* Here’s how:
1. Saffron Balances Mood Through Serotonin Support
Saffron’s bioactive compounds—especially crocin and safranal—help promote healthy serotonin metabolism in the brain. Serotonin plays a key role in mood, appetite, and emotional stability, and imbalances are often associated with PMS.1*
Saffron supports the gut-brain axis by enhancing tryptophan metabolism, which leads to increased availability of serotonin and its downstream calming effects.1,2*
2. Saffron Promotes Calm and Resilience to Stress
During the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, many experience increased stress sensitivity. Saffron’s influence on GABA receptors and the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis helps encourage a calmer state and healthy stress response—perfect for managing PMS-related tension and emotional fluctuations.3,4*
3. Clinical Studies Support the Use of Saffron
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, women aged 20–45 with PMS who took 30mg/day of saffron extract for two menstrual cycles experienced a significant reduction in PMS symptoms, especially emotional and mood-related aspects, compared to placebo.4
Read more about saffron for pain alleviation associated with PMS.
Summary
PMS doesn’t have to be a monthly struggle. Whether you’re dealing with mood swings, low energy, or increased stress, saffron offers clinically backed support for emotional balance and calm.* With Vital Nutrients high-potency Saffron Extract, you can approach your cycle with more resilience—and a little more ease.
Learn more about saffron:
The Health Benefits of “The Queen of Herbs”: Saffron for Mood, Mind, and More
Saffron for Mood and Cognitive Health
Saffron for Sleep: A Gentle Way to Wind Down and Rest Well
Saffron and Pain Support: A Natural Approach to Inflammatory Discomfort
References:
1. Moshiri M et al. Drug Res (Stuttg). 2015;65(6):287-295.
2. Hasheminasab FS et al. Phytother Res. 2024;38(6):2832-2846.
3. Dante G et al. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol. 2011;32(1):42-51.
4. Hosseini M et al. BJOG. 2008;115(4):515-519.
