Randomised trial, 2010
Does Vitex agnus castus (chasteberry) reduce PMS symptoms in Chinese women?
Yes, Vitex extract significantly improved all 17 PMS symptoms compared to placebo over 3 menstrual cycles, especially mood and sleep problems.
What they did
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in China. 67 women with moderate-to-severe PMS were enrolled; 64 completed the study (31 in the treatment group, 33 in placebo). Women took one tablet daily for 3 menstrual cycles. Symptoms were tracked using a 17-item daily diary.
What they found
All 17 symptoms showed significantly greater improvement with Vitex than placebo (p less than 0.05). Negative mood (negative affect) and insomnia or sleep problems were especially improved.
What it means for you
Vitex appears effective for treating moderate-to-severe PMS in Chinese women, especially for mood and sleep symptoms. The main limitation is that the study was done in China, so results may not apply to all populations.
67
Women enrolled
64
Women completed
17
Symptoms tracked
About the study
- Original title
- Evaluating therapeutic effect in symptoms of moderate-to-severe premenstrual syndrome with Vitex agnus castus (BNO 1095) in Chinese women
- Authors
- Ma L, Lin S, Chen R et al.
- Journal
- The Australian & New Zealand journal of obstetrics & gynaecology
- Year
- 2010
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 67
- What was tested
- Vitex agnus castus extract (BNO 1095) once daily or placebo
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/j.1479-828x.2010.01137.x
Topics
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