Non-randomised trial, 2017
What biological mechanism might cause premenstrual syndrome and could a herbal medicine help?
In rats with stress-like PMS symptoms, a protein called MOR may play a role, and a herbal medicine (Shu-Yu capsule) may help by reducing this protein. This is rat research, not human research.
What they did
Researchers created PMS-like symptoms in rats using chronic stress. They measured a protein called MOR in rat brains and tested whether a herbal medicine (Shu-Yu capsule) changed MOR levels and related brain chemicals.
What they found
Stressed rats had high levels of MOR protein. The Shu-Yu capsule reduced MOR expression and reversed stress-related changes in brain chemicals, including BDNF and cAMP.
What it means for you
This animal study suggests one possible biological mechanism in PMS and that a herbal medicine might help by affecting this mechanism. However, this is rat research, not human research, so we cannot yet know if it applies to women with PMS.
About the study
- Original title
- Roles of the µ-opioid receptor and its related signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of premenstrual syndrome liver-qi stagnation
- Authors
- Song C, Xue L
- Journal
- Experimental and therapeutic medicine
- Year
- 2017
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- What was tested
- Shu-Yu capsule (herbal medicine) vs. control
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.3892/etm.2017.4374
Topics
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