Systematic review, 2017
Does the herb Vitex agnus-castus help with PMS and related problems?
A review of 43 studies concludes that Vitex agnus-castus can help treat PMS and PMDD, ease pain after menstruation, and support infertility treatment, but it is a summary of past findings rather than a measured result.
What they did
Researchers searched PubMed, Medline, Web of Science and IranMedex for English, full-text studies (mostly from 2009 to 2016) on the effects of Vitex agnus-castus. Of about 87 references found, 43 studies met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed.
What they found
The review concluded that Vitex agnus-castus helps treat PMS, including premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), is helpful for pain after menstruation, and is beneficial for infertility in both men and women. Compounds in the plant that act on dopamine were said to help with premenstrual breast tenderness and other PMS symptoms.
What it means for you
Vitex may be a useful option to ask a doctor about for PMS or PMDD symptoms, but since this is a narrative summary of existing studies rather than a new analysis with pooled numbers, it can't tell us exactly how big the benefit is.
87
Initial references found
43
Studies included
2009-2016
Study years covered
About the study
- Original title
- Systematic Review of Premenstrual, Postmenstrual and Infertility Disorders of Vitex Agnus Castus
- Authors
- Rafieian-Kopaei M, Movahedi M
- Journal
- Electronic physician
- Year
- 2017
- Study design
- Systematic review
- What was tested
- Vitex agnus-castus (chaste-berry) herbal extract.
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.19082/3685
Topics
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