Comparison of the Effects of Crocus Sativus and Mefenamic Acid on Primary Dysmenorrhea

ABSTRACT Background: In previous studies, extract of 3 herbs, celery, fenugreek and saffron was effective on primary dysmenorrhea. However, the health effects of saffron alone on primary dysmenorrhea have not been yet studied. The aim of this double blind, single center clinical trial is to examine the effects of saffron on primary dysmenorrhea pain in women aged 18-27 years old.Methods: One hundred eighty patients were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 received saffron capsules three times per day for three days of menstrual period for three consecutive menstrual cycles. Group 2 received mefenamic acid, and group 3 has received identical placebo. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) has been recorded at baseline and after each menstrual period.Results: In saffron group VAS was reduced from 6.8 to 3.6, 3.4, and 3 in 3 consecutive months. This effect was significantly greater than mefenamic acid and placebo (P:0.0001).Conclusions: It was found that the effect of saffron in reducing pain is more than mefenamic acid and far more than placebo.