Psychological and neuroendocrinological effects of odor of saffron (Crocus sativus).
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of saffron odor on symptoms unique to women, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain) and irregular menstruation.


METHODS
Thirty-five women with a normal sense of smell were exposed to saffron odor for 20 min. Saliva samples were then collected to measure levels of cortisol (C), testosterone (T) and 17-β estradiol (E) by enzyme immunoassay, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was administered as a psychological test.


RESULTS
Saffron odor significantly decreased C levels after short-term stimulation (20 min) in both follicular and luteal phases. E level after exposure to saffron odor was increased in both the follicular- and luteal-phase groups. STAI score decreased in the follicular and luteal phases in the saffron group.


CONCLUSIONS
The present findings support the existence of physiological and psychological effects of saffron odor in women. Our results indicate that saffron odor exert some effects in the treatment of PMS, dysmenorrhea and irregular menstruation. This is the first report to suggest that saffron odor may be effective in treating menstrual distress.
Department of Education, Nara University of Education, Nara, Japan. fukuih@nara-edu.ac.jp
Hajime
H
Fukui
Kumiko
K
Toyoshima
Ryoichi
R
Komaki
D000328:Adult; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019341:Aromatherapy / Q000379:methods*; D027622:Crocus / Q000737:chemistry*; D053138:Cyclohexenes / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004412:Dysmenorrhea / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D035264:Flowers / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D008518:Medicine, East Asian Traditional; D008599:Menstruation Disturbances / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011293:Premenstrual Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D013729:Terpenes / Q000008:administration & dosage; D055815:Young Adult
D000700:Analgesics; D053138:Cyclohexenes; D010936:Plant Extracts; D013729:Terpenes; C087963:safranal