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Survey study, 2024

What do pharmacy students know about using herbs for PMS?

Pharmacy students had moderate knowledge (58.9% correct answers) about these herbs, and about 83% believed the herbs could help PMS symptoms. However, this study only surveyed opinions. It did not test whether these herbs actually work.

Early or limited evidence 39 first-year pharmacy students

What they did

A cross-sectional survey where first-year pharmacy students answered true/false knowledge questions about herbal remedies for PMS and gave their personal opinions on whether the herbs help.

What they found

Knowledge-based questions were answered correctly 58.9% of the time on average. Opinion-based questions showed about 83% positive agreement that chaste tree berry, evening primrose oil, dandelion tea, and lavender aromatherapy could benefit PMS.

What it means for you

Pharmacy students generally believe these popular herbal remedies could help PMS, but there are knowledge gaps. This was a small survey of students' views, not a test of whether the herbs actually work. More research and education are needed.

39

Students surveyed

58.9%

Correct on knowledge questions

83%

Positive agreement on herb benefits

About the study

Original title
Anti-premenstrual syndrome (PMS) properties of chaste tree berry (vitex), evening primrose oil, dandelion tea, and lavender aromatherapy: Assessing pharmacy students’ knowledge and opinions
Authors
Roseline S. Agyekum, Bisrat Hailemeskel, Fekadu Fullas
Journal
International Journal of Frontiers in Biology and Pharmacy Research
Year
2024
Study design
Survey study
Participants
39
What was tested
Survey on knowledge and opinions of herbal PMS treatments (no intervention tested)
Open access
Yes

Topics