Effects of saffron capsule on labor anxiety in primiparous women: a clinical double-blind randomized controlled trial

Different actions are performed today to reduce labor anxiety, among them medicinal herbs may provide a safer and more effective treatment option. Based on anxiolytic effects of saffron in previous studies, this study was conducted with aim to determine the effect of saffron capsule on labor anxiety in primiparous women.
This clinical double-blind randomized controlled trial with parallel groups was performed in 2016 on 60 primiparous women referred to a selected hospital in Isfahan. The subjects were divided into two groups (n=30) of saffron capsules and placebo. The two groups received saffron or placebo capsule 250mg per night for 3 nights. Anxiety level was measured in two stages (at entering the study before start of taking capsules and at the time of admission in the ward). The study's tools included demographic and midwifery questionnaire and Spielberger Anxiety Inventory. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 23) and Independent t-test, paired t-test, Mann-Whitney, Fisher exact and Chi-square test. P Mean of anxiety scores before intervention was 30.2±10.01 in saffron group and 30.1±14.6 in control group, and no significant difference was found between two groups (P>0.05). The mean score of anxiety before start of taking capsule (P=0.99) and at admission (P=0.83) was not significantly different between the two groups. In both groups, there was no significant difference in mean anxiety score between pre-initiation of capsule and admission in maternity ward (P>0.05).
In this study, there was no evidence of reducing effect of saffron capsule on anxiety during labor admission in primiparous women. Perhaps, it can be said that Saffron has anti-anxiety effect close to consumption. Pharmacological studies are suggested in this regard.