الفهرس 
IntroductionOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 151 |  |  |
| | | from | 151 | | |
Abstract
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is one of the vague and ill defined phenomena. However, all its definitions concluded that: it is a cyclic recurrence of distressing physical, psychological and behavioral symptoms that occur during the luteal phase of menstrual cycle and evaporates within two days of the onset of menses. Its most important physical symptoms are: pains, gastro-intestinal disturbances, dizziness /fatigue, sleep disturbance, signs of water retention, headache and breast symptoms. The most common distressing psychological symptoms are: anger/ irritability, anxiety, tearfulness /increased sensitivity to rejection, aggression/hostility, low self esteem, loneliness, restlessness/tension, mood changes and lack of concentration. Its behavioral symptoms include: food craving, disturbed relationships, aggressive behaviors as well as intolerance for noise and lights. The significant appearance of these symptoms starts from the teen years and worsens through the process of aging.
Related studies show that about 85% of females –worldwide- suffer from PMS. The emergence of these symptoms during the teen years complicates the process of puberty and negatively affects adolescents’ interpersonal relationships, social and educational performance, resulting in poor self-steam and sense of dissatisfaction and inadequacy. Some studies showed that women with PMS had reduced work productivity and more interference with normal daily tasks. Unfortunately, both medical and surgical management options of PMS have unaccountable side effects that may be less tolerated than PMS symptoms themselves. At the same time, the cultural silence surrounding female complains in Egypt force women towards natural management in form of complementary alternative therapy. The modalities which have been used to manage PMS include but not limited to: reflexology , hydrotherapy , acupuncture , acupressure , vitamins supplements , exercises , massage , naturopathy , body mind modalities , and herbal therapy . Herbal therapy for PMS include: Evening primroseزهره الربيع المسائيه )) (14), liquorice العرق سوس)), dong quai(حشيشه الملاك الصينيه ), black cohosh ( (البابوس الهندي الأسود, black haw ( الخمان الأسود), St John’s Wort ( نبتة سانت جون), peppermint(النعناع ), dandelion leafأوراق الهندباء أو السريس )), Vitex agnus-castus (chaste tree)عشبه كف مريم) )(15) and Crocus sativus L. (saffron) (الزعفران).
Saffron poses almost all the required pharmacological actions needed to manage complicated phenomena such as PMS. It acts as: analgesics , gastro-intestinal regulator , reproductive system regulator , stimulation of β2-adrenoceptors , improve circulation , and inhibition of histamine receptors , central nervous system protection and memory improvement , anti-anxiety and manage food craving without minimal or no side effects. This gives hope to the silent PMS suffers for a natural, effective, simple, safe, cheap, and affordable option for management of PMS. But it worth mentioning that researches bout either PMS or Crocus sativus L (saffron) are dearth in Egypt.
Aim of the study:
This study aimed to determine the effect of Crocus sativus L (saffron) on premenstrual syndrome.