Non-randomised trial, 2000
Does Vitex agnus castus (chaste tree) help premenstrual syndrome symptoms?
In a large study without a control group, 93% of 1,634 women reported decreased PMS symptoms after three months of Vitex, with good tolerance and minimal side effects, though the lack of a control group limits certainty about the effect.
What they did
1,634 women with PMS took Vitex (chaste tree extract) for three menstrual cycles under routine medical conditions. They completed questionnaires about symptoms including depression, anxiety, food cravings, and fluid retention.
What they found
After three cycles, 93% of patients reported decreased symptoms or cessation of PMS complaints. Physicians rated the effect as good or very good in 85% of cases. Patients rated themselves very much or much better in 81% of cases. 94% rated tolerance as good or very good. Only 1.2% had suspected adverse reactions and there were no serious ones.
What it means for you
The large sample size strengthens confidence in the findings. However, the study had no control group and was open-label (patients knew they were taking the supplement), which can lead to bias. More controlled research is needed.
1,634
women studied
93%
reported symptom improvement
1.2%
had adverse reactions
About the study
- Original title
- Treatment of premenstrual syndrome with a phytopharmaceutical formulation containing Vitex agnus castus
- Authors
- Loch EG, Selle H, Boblitz N
- Journal
- Journal of women's health & gender-based medicine
- Year
- 2000
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- Participants
- 1,634
- What was tested
- Vitex agnus castus (chaste tree extract)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1089/152460900318515
Topics
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