New Product Development of a Premenstrual Syndrome Supplement, Focusing on the Nutraceutical ctive Ingredients; Pycnogenol, Lemon Balm, Ginger, and Saffron

Abstract

Menstruation is a natural occurrence for females of a fertile age and occurs for the potential possibility for pregnancy, menstruation can sometimes be an unpleasant experience for females. The aims of the present study were to investigate if the four nutraceutical active ingredients Pycnogenol, Lemon Balm, Ginger, and Saffron can individually decrease the severity of PMS, or decrease the severity of the symptoms related to PMS. The aim of this research was to concluded theoretically that the ingredients Pycnogenol, Lemon Balm, Ginger, and Saffron together as a supplement can treat menstrual related conditions, reducing the severity of the symptoms as a result of menstrual related conditions or disorders. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews ) was employed to study for four ingredient; Pycnogenol, Ginger, Lemon Balm, and Saffron on reducing PMS symptoms or reducing the severity of PMS. The search was focused on scientific research articles (Publication years between 1980 and 2022). 22 papers were selected in the analysis regarding the ingredient, concentration, number of people, year of publication, effect of symptom, references and Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA). The 32 current nutraceutical treatments products for PMS were gathered and evaluated. 23% of the sources used to show the effects of Lemon Balm on PMS symptoms, 36% of the sources used to show the effects of Pycnogenol on PMS symptoms. 18% of the gathered sources were saffron related, 23% of the sources are ginger related. Pycnogenol
concentrations were ranging from 45mg-300mg across 7 different sources. Lemon Balm concentrations were ranging from 300mg-1200mg across 5 different sources. The rang of concentrations of Ginger were from 500mg-1500mg across 5 different sources. Saffron represented concentrations ranging from 30mg across 4 sources. The cost of estimated supplement was at rang of market price. The current market of available in store PMS aid supplements in Ireland was analysed. This was done to evaluate the current nutraceutical treatments that are available for women in
Ireland to help treat PMS/ help treat PMS symptoms instead of treating PMS with pharmaceutical medications like NSAID’s. This showed there are very few supplements available in stores in Ireland that specifically aim to treat PMS or reduce PMS symptoms thus the development of the nutraceutical supplement with Pycnogenol, Lemon Balm, Ginger, and Saffron would be beneficial. The results of the marketing analysis showed there is no product containing just these four ingredients to treat PMS, thus providing a gap in the market for the development of this product.