Randomised trial, 2014
Does Shu-Yu capsule reduce depression from premenstrual syndrome in rats?
This was an animal study in rats, not humans. In rats, Shu-Yu capsule improved depression-like symptoms and balanced a key brain chemical.
What they did
An animal study in rats divided into 5 groups: control, model group with PMS depression, fluoxetine, Shu-Yu capsule, and saikosaponins group. Rats were treated for 4 days and tested for depression-like behavior, movement, weight, and measured brain chemicals called glutamate and GABA in the hippocampus.
What they found
Compared to the model group, the Shu-Yu capsule group showed significantly higher sucrose preference scores, higher movement scores on the open field test, and higher body mass. Shu-Yu capsule also inhibited the decrease of the glutamate to GABA ratio in the hippocampus.
What it means for you
This is early laboratory research in animals, not proof that it works in humans. Much more research is needed before we can know if it would help women with PMS.
5
rat groups studied
4
days of treatment
About the study
- Original title
- Shu‑Yu capsule, a Traditional Chinese Medicine formulation, attenuates premenstrual syndrome depression induced by chronic stress constraint
- Authors
- Gao X, Sun P, Qiao M et al.
- Journal
- Molecular medicine reports
- Year
- 2014
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- Shu-Yu capsule, a Traditional Chinese Medicine formulation
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2014.2599
Topics
Related studies
Randomised trial, 2022
Do herbal medicines and nutritional supplements help relieve PMS symptoms?
Review, 2015
What treatments work best for PMDD and PMS?
Review, 2015
What do we know about PMS and PMDD and how are they treated?
Systematic review, 2013
Does Vitex (chaste tree) help PMS and PMDD symptoms?
Systematic review, 2008
What treatments work best for PMS and PMDD?
Review, 2004
What is PMDD and how is it treated?