Nigella sativa Seeds Ease Severity of Premenstrual Syndrome in Women: A Randomized, Double-Blinded,...

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) significantly affects women's quality of life, with fluctuations in estrogen levels implicated in symptom severity. Lower estrogen levels during the premenstrual phase may contribute to mood swings, anxiety, and fatigue. Nigella sativa (NS) has been examined as a potential alternative therapeutic approach for various diseases. Therefore, in the current experiment, we aimed to investigate the impact of NS on serum estradiol levels and the severity of PMS symptoms in women.

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Participants with moderate to severe PMS were identified using a Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST) questionnaire and randomly allocated to the placebo or treatment groups. Two capsules were consumed once a day for two menstrual cycles, and the severity of symptoms in the participants was monitored daily during the intervention, employing the daily record of severity of problems (DRSP).

At baseline, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in serum estradiol levels and total average PMS scores between the two groups. In comparison, after 2 months of NS supplement, serum estradiol concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) increased, and the total mean PMS scores were significantly reduced when compared with the placebo group.

The outcomes of this study indicated the favorable effects of NS in reducing the severity of PMS. This could be achieved by increasing serum estradiol concentration in premenstrual women with PMS. Additionally, NS can provide anti-inflammatory and potential hormonal and antioxidant support, helping to reduce symptoms of PMS. Therefore, NS is an alternative or complementary method deserving further investigation based on scientific evidence to clarify its role in PMS treatment.