Randomised trial, 2015
Does melissa officinalis (a herbal remedy) help reduce PMS symptoms?
Yes. Melissa officinalis significantly reduced PMS symptom scores in high school girls compared to placebo, with continued improvement over three months.
What they did
This was a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. 100 high school girls were divided into two groups of 50 each. The intervention group received 1200 mg of melissa officinalis essence daily throughout their menstrual cycle for three consecutive cycles. The other group received placebo. PMS symptoms were measured before treatment and at 1, 2, and 3 months.
What they found
PMS intensity scores in the intervention group fell from 42.56 before treatment to 32.72 after one month, 30.02 after two months, and 13.90 after three months (P<0.001). Results showed a significant reduction in PMS symptoms (P < 0.001).
What it means for you
Melissa officinalis may help reduce PMS symptoms. The study was limited to high school girls in Iran, and the authors note that further investigation is needed before recommending routine use.
1200 mg
melissa officinalis dose per day
42.56 to 13.90
PMS intensity score before and after 3 months
P < 0.001
statistical significance
About the study
- Original title
- Effect of Melissa officinalis Capsule on the Intensity of Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms in High School Girl Students
- Authors
- Akbarzadeh M, Dehghani M, Moshfeghy Z et al.
- Journal
- Nursing and midwifery studies
- Year
- 2015
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 50
- What was tested
- 1200 mg melissa officinalis essence capsules daily for three consecutive menstrual cycles
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.17795/nmsjournal27001
Topics
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