Systematic review, 2009
Do traditional Chinese herbal medicines work for PMS?
One well-designed study shows Jingqianping granule works for PMS, but there are only 2 studies total so we need more evidence.
What they did
Searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Chinese biomedical databases from 1950-2007 for randomised controlled trials of traditional Chinese herbal medicines for PMS. Two reviewers confirmed randomisation procedures and extracted data. Included 2 RCTs with 549 women total.
What they found
One trial of higher methodological quality showed Jingqianping granule was effective for PMS. The other study was lower quality due to various biases. Jingqianping granule eliminated more symptoms than Xiaoyaowan in proliferative and premenstrual phases (risk ratio 3.50). Women treated with Cipher decoction had higher recovery rates than those taking Co-vitamin B6 capsules (risk ratio 48.99).
What it means for you
One well-designed trial showed Jingqianping granule reduces PMS symptoms, but with only 2 studies total we cannot be confident in recommending it. More high-quality trials are needed before any final conclusions.
2
RCTs included
549
Women studied
3.50
Risk ratio Jingqianping vs Xiaoyaowan
About the study
- Original title
- Chinese herbal medicine for premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Jing Z, Yang X, Ismail KM et al.
- Journal
- The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
- Year
- 2009
- Study design
- Systematic review
- What was tested
- Traditional Chinese herbal medicines: Jingqianping granule, Xiaoyaowan, Cipher decoction
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd006414.pub2
Topics
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