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Randomised trial, 2026

Can propolis and fennelin reduce PMS symptoms?

Yes, both propolis and fennelin reduced PMS symptom severity by about 79%, significantly better than placebo, but the study only lasted 2 menstrual cycles.

Moderate study design 90 female university students with PMS at Hamadan University of Medical Sciences

What they did

A double-blind, randomized controlled trial with 90 female university students. They were randomly assigned to propolis 500 mg (30 women), fennelin 30 mg extract (30 women), or placebo (30 women). Treatment lasted 2 menstrual cycles. PMS symptoms were measured using questionnaires.

What they found

Propolis reduced PMS symptom severity by 78.9% and fennelin by 79.3% (p = 0.016), both significantly better than placebo. Placebo showed no significant change (p = 0.206). No side effects were reported.

What it means for you

Propolis and fennelin may help reduce PMS symptoms in young women. The main limits are the short study duration (only 2 cycles), the young age of participants (university students), and small sample size, so results may not apply to older women with more severe PMS.

90

Women in study

78.9%

PMS symptom reduction with propolis

79.3%

PMS symptom reduction with fennelin

About the study

Original title
Comparison of the Effects of Propolis and Fennelin Capsules on Premenstrual Syndrome in Students: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors
Shayan A, Tiznobik A, Refaei M et al.
Journal
Reviews on recent clinical trials
Year
2026
Study design
Randomised trial
Participants
90
What was tested
Propolis 500 mg vs fennelin 30 mg extract vs placebo

Topics