Randomised trial, 2009
Does Ginkgo biloba reduce PMS symptoms?
Yes. Ginkgo biloba reduced symptoms by 23.68% compared to 8.74% with placebo, a significant difference. However, both groups improved, suggesting a substantial placebo effect.
What they did
This was a controlled trial with 90 university students with PMS in Tehran. They took either Ginkgo biloba extract (40 mg) or placebo three times daily from day 16 of their menstrual cycle to day 5 of the next. Before treatment, they tracked symptoms for two cycles to confirm PMS. Then they continued tracking for two more cycles while taking the study pills. 85 women completed the study.
What they found
The Ginkgo biloba group's symptoms decreased by 23.68%, and the placebo group's decreased by 8.74% (p < 0.001). Both physical and psychological symptoms improved in both groups, but Ginkgo biloba was significantly better than placebo (p < 0.001).
What it means for you
Ginkgo biloba may help PMS symptoms more than placebo and could be an alternative to medications with potentially fewer side effects. The main limitation is that it was single-blind (only participants didn't know their treatment) and involved only 85 women, all students in Iran.
85
women completed the study
23.68%
symptom reduction with Ginkgo
8.74%
symptom reduction with placebo
About the study
- Original title
- A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of Ginkgo biloba L. in treatment of premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Ozgoli G, Selselei EA, Mojab F et al.
- Journal
- Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.)
- Year
- 2009
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 90
- What was tested
- Ginkgo biloba extract (40 mg) or placebo, three times daily from day 16 to day 5 of next cycle
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1089/acm.2008.0493
Topics
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