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Randomised trial, 2011

Do echinophora-platyloba and fennel help reduce PMS symptoms?

Yes. Both herbs significantly reduced PMS symptoms more than placebo, and they worked about equally well.

Moderate study design 90 students in Iran with moderate or severe PMS

What they did

90 students with moderate or severe PMS were assigned to three equal groups: one received echinophora-platyloba extract, one received fennel extract, and one received placebo. They recorded their symptom severity before and after treatment.

What they found

Before treatment, the three groups were similar. After treatment, echinophora-platyloba (score 49.7) and fennel (score 64.4) significantly reduced symptoms compared to placebo (score 79.1). The two herbs worked about equally well.

What it means for you

Both herbs reduced PMS symptoms more than placebo. However, the study was single-blind (researchers knew which group was which), which is weaker than double-blind studies.

90

students with moderate or severe PMS

49.7

symptom score for echinophora

79.1

symptom score for placebo

About the study

Original title
Comparing the Effects of Echinophora-platyloba, Fennel and Placebo on Pre-menstrual Syndrome
Authors
Delaram M, Kheiri S, Hodjati MR
Journal
Journal of reproduction & infertility
Year
2011
Study design
Randomised trial
Participants
90
What was tested
Echinophora-platyloba extract or fennel extract
Open access
Yes

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