Randomised trial, 2014
Is chamomile as effective as mefenamic acid for breast pain associated with PMS?
Yes. Chamomile appeared to be similarly effective as mefenamic acid (a standard pain medicine) at reducing the intensity of breast pain associated with PMS.
What they did
Double-blind randomized trial from September 2011 to March 2012 with 90 dormitory students in Iran. Two groups of 45 received either chamomile capsules (100 mg) or mefenamic acid (250 mg) three times daily from day 21 of the menstrual cycle until the next menstruation.
What they found
Both groups showed a significant decrease in breast pain intensity. There was no significant difference between the chamomile and mefenamic acid groups.
What it means for you
Chamomile may work as well as a standard medicine for breast pain in PMS. The study only included dormitory students in one region of Iran, so it's unclear if results apply to other populations.
90
Students in study
100 mg
Chamomile dose
250 mg
Mefenamic acid dose
About the study
- Original title
- Comparison of the Effects of Matricaria chamomila (Chamomile) Extract and Mefenamic Acid on the Intensity of Mastalgia Associated With Premenstrual Syndrome
- Authors
- Farangis Sharifi, Masoumeh Simbar, Faraz Mojab et al.
- Journal
- Women’s Health Bulletin
- Year
- 2014
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 90
- What was tested
- Chamomile capsules (100 mg) or mefenamic acid (250 mg) three times daily from day 21 of cycle until next menstruation
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.17795/whb-20042
Topics
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