Effect of saffron on happiness of postmenopausal women: a clinical randomized trial

Abstract

Introduction: Happiness decreases during menopause periods due to mental disorders, reduced social activity, marital status and physical diseases. Saffron has joyful effect due to the presence of ingredients such as Crocin and Safranal. This study was conducted with aim to determine the effect of saffron capsule on happiness of postmenopausal women. Methods: This double-blind, randmized clinical trial study was performed on 67 postmenopausal women in the Imam Reza Women's Clinic in Bojnourd from 2015 to 2017. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups of intervention (30 mg capsule saffron) and control (30 mg placebo capsules). The subjects completed demographic questionnaire, midwifery and Oxford Happiness Inventory before using capsule and 4 weeks after consumption of capsule. Data were analyzed with SPSS software (version 16) and Chi-square, independent t-test and paired T-test. P Results: The mean scores of happiness in saffron group were 45.5 ± 12.9 before consumption and 51.4 ± 12.8 after consumption. The results of paired t-test showed that happiness increased (p<0.001), but in control group, no change was found in happiness before and after the intervention (p = 0.347). Conclusion: Saffron has joyful property. Since happiness decreases during menopause, saffron is recommended to be used as a supplement in menopause.

Keywords

• happiness
• menopause
• saffron