Document Type : Original Research Article
Authors
1
Master's degree student in midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
2
Associate Professor, Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
3
Associate Professor, Infertility Fellowship, Family and Youth Population Support Research Core, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
4
Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
5
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
6
Assistant Professor, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract
Background & aim: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder, and its therapeutic drugs have side effects. Considering the importance of using herbal medicines and the antioxidant properties of saffron petals, this study aimed to investigate the effect of saffron petal capsules on menstrual cycle patterns and clinical and biochemical symptoms of hyperandrogenism in women with PCOS.
Methods: This triple-blind clinical trial was conducted on 61 women with PCOS referred to Imam Reza Hospital in Mashhad, Iran, in 2024. Participants were divided by block randomization into an intervention group, which received 30 mg saffron petal capsules, and a control group, which received a placebo daily for three months. Menstrual cycle patterns, Ferriman-Gallwey score for hirsutism, and Global Acne Grading System were assessed before and three months after the intervention. In addition, serum levels of testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, fasting blood sugar, triglycerides, and cholesterol were measured. Data analysis was performed with SPSS version 26 using chi-square, independent t, and Mann–Whitney U tests with a significance coefficient of 0.05.
Results: After the intervention, except for changes in waist circumference (p=0.042), no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in any of the studied variables. In the within-group comparison, statistically significant differences were observed in testosterone levels (p=0.019), weight (p=0.001), body mass index (p=0.001), and waist circumference (p<0.001) only in the intervention group.
Conclusion:Given the effect of saffron petals on waist circumference and the importance of weight loss in managing PCOS, it can be used as an economical and effective measure in these individuals.
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