Non-randomised trial, 2000
Does Vitex agnus castus (chasteberry) extract reduce PMS symptoms?
Vitex extract reduced PMS symptoms by 42.5% during treatment, with 47% of women experiencing at least 50% improvement. Without a control group, we cannot be certain improvement was from the herb versus placebo or natural improvement.
What they did
50 women with PMS took 20 mg daily Vitex extract for 3 menstrual cycles, then were observed for 3 more cycles after stopping. Symptoms were measured using Moos' Menstrual Distress Questionnaire and self-ratings. 43 of 50 women completed the study; 13 were also taking oral contraceptives.
What they found
PMS symptoms decreased significantly during treatment with a 42.5% reduction in the main measure (p<0.001). 20 of 43 women (47%) showed at least 50% improvement in symptoms. Patient self-rated scores decreased 47.2% during the late cycle phase on treatment (p<0.01) and remained 21.7% below baseline 3 cycles after stopping (p<0.001). The number of days per cycle with PMS symptoms decreased from 7.5 to 6. One woman withdrew due to fatigue and headache.
What it means for you
Vitex extract significantly reduced PMS symptoms during treatment, and benefits partly persisted after stopping. Nearly half of women had substantial improvement. Without a comparison group, we cannot be certain improvements came from the herb rather than placebo or natural improvement over time.
43
women who completed the study
42.5%
symptom reduction during treatment
47%
proportion achieving at least 50% improvement
About the study
- Original title
- Efficacy of Vitex agnus castus L. extract Ze 440 in patients with pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Authors
- Berger D, Schaffner W, Schrader E et al.
- Journal
- Archives of gynecology and obstetrics
- Year
- 2000
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- Participants
- 50
- What was tested
- Vitex agnus castus extract 20 mg daily for 3 menstrual cycles
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1007/s004040000123
Topics
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