Effect of Nigella sativa seeds on the severity of symptoms of premenstrual syndrome: A randomized clinical trial

Introduction: Premenstrual syndrome refers to the presence of cyclic behavioral and physical symptoms that affects some women. Finding an effective and safe way to treat premenstrual syndrome has always been a serious concern. More than 95% of the young and middle-aged women are affected, and in 2-10% are severe enough to affect their lifestyle and occupation. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Nigella sativa seeds on the severity of symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Materials and Methods: This double blind randomized clinical trial study, performed on 84 students with symptoms of premenstrual syndrome residing in girls' dormitories in Mashhad (Iran) University of Medical Sciences in 2017. They were randomly divided into two groups of case and control. Data collection tool was COPE form. Correspondingly, the severity of the symptoms was compared one and two months after the intervention by before intervention and the control group. The intervention group recived oral capsule containing 500 mg of Nigella sativa seeds and the control group received placebo capsule, three times a day from 7 days before the onset of menstrual bleeding to the first 3 days of menstrual bleeding for 2 cycles. Results: The overall severity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms had a significant reduction in the intervention group than the control group at the end of the first and second months after using Nigella sativa seeds Capsule(P<0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that the Nigella sativa seeds reduces the severity of symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, so it can be used to treat this common problem