Effects of curcumin on menstrual pattern, premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea: a triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and primary dysmenorrhea are common complaints among young women. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of curcumin supplements on pain relief in dysmenorrhea and PMS in young women. A randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was undertaken. Women who suffered from both PMS and dysmenorrhea were enrolled, and were randomly allocated to the curcumin (n = ۶۲), or placebo (n = ۶۲) groups. Each subject received one capsules (۵۰۰ mg of curcuminoid, or placebo) daily, from ۷ days pre- until ۳ days post-menstruation for ۳ successive menstrual cycles. Participants recorded the severity of PMS, or dysmenorrhea using a visual analogue scale and the Premenstrual Syndrome Screening Tool (PSST). Baseline characteristics of participants showed no significant differences between the curcumin and placebo groups. At the end of the trial, PSST score were significantly lower (۳۲.۵±۹.۸ to ۲۱.۶±۹.۸ in the curcumin group; and ۳۱.۷±۹.۴ to ۲۳.۴±۱۲.۸ in placebo group). A significant reduction of ۶۴% and ۵۳.۳% of dysmenorhea pain was reported in curcumin and placebo groups, respectively. Curcumin may ameliorate the severity of PMS and dysmenorrhea. But, further research is warranted on the active ingredients and effectiveness and safety of various formulation, different doses and treatment durations are needed

کلیدواژه ها:

Menstruation ، Turmeric ، Prostaglandin ، Menstrual disorders