Effects of a Standardised Saffron Extract Supplementation on Symptoms Associated With Perimenopause in Healthy Women

Investigation of the Psychological and Physiological Effects of a Standardised Saffron Extract Supplementation on Symptoms Associated to Perimenopause in Healthy Older Women: A Randomised Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-group Clinical Trial

The aim of the present study is to assess the effects of a normalised saffron extract supplementation, which is an extract of the flower Crocus sativus, on perimenopausal symptoms.

After being informed about the study protocol aim and potential risks, healthy volunteer woman (walk-in outpatients) will undergo a pre-screening to determine eligibility for study entry. At the visit 1, patients who meet the pre-screening criteria will undergo a second screening to confirm their eligibility based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. After signing the inform consent form, patient who meet eligibility criteria will be randomised in a double-blind manner (participants and investigators) in a 1:1 ratio to saffron extract supplementation (15mg, twice daily) or matched placebo (twice daily) for a period of 3-months (12 weeks).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Biological Female which identify themselves as Women
• Aged ≥ 40 years
• Irregular menstrual cycle for at least 3 months
• Presenting typical symptoms of perimenopause with GCS score over 20
• BMI range between 18-35 kg/m2
• Healthy woman

Exclusion Criteria:

• Less than 40 years old
• Pregnant
• Diagnosed with diseases related to reproductive system such as PCOS or endometriosis
• Taking anti-depressant medication or sleeping pills
• Taking hormonal replacement therapy (HRT)
• Taking conventional drug treatment or dietary supplementation
• Having medical history or medical/surgical event in the last 6 months, or has been treated for cancer or any other ongoing treatment for the past 3 months,
• Current and/or past history of hyper/hypotension, CVD, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, musculoskeletal disorder or endocrine or immunocompromised or neurological or psychological disorders,
• Being medicated for these conditions,
• History of allergic reactions to saffron intake,
• Decisionally challenged subjects or unable to comply to the study
• Any conditions that could contraindicates the use of saffron
• Currently smoking or ceased smoking in the past 3 months