Non-randomised trial, 2020
Do two Ayurvedic herbal medicines help reduce premenstrual syndrome symptoms?
The study suggests yes. Women taking both herbs for three menstrual cycles showed improvements in depression, anxiety, fatigue, irritation, sleep and appetite changes, bloating, and pain. However, this was a small study with no control group.
What they did
A nonrandomized trial with 20 women aged 20-35 who had PMS. Women took two Ayurvedic herbal medicines for three menstrual cycles, starting 14 days before their period began and continuing through the fourth day of menstruation.
What they found
Both medicines showed effectiveness in treating depression, anxiety, fatigue, irritation, depressive thoughts, pain, appetite changes, sleep changes, and bloating based on premenstrual symptom scales. Serum sodium and potassium levels normalized. Associated premenstrual complaints subsided.
What it means for you
These herbs may help reduce PMS symptoms and normalize electrolytes. However, this was a small study with no comparison group, so we cannot be certain the herbs (rather than time or expectations) caused the improvement.
20
women
3
consecutive menstrual cycles treated
14
days before menstruation when treatment started
About the study
- Original title
- EFFECT OF PUNARNAVADI KASAHAYA AND ASWAGANDHA CHOORNA IN PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME
- Authors
- M Akhila, N.Vijayakumar, Kannan VS
- Journal
- International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research
- Year
- 2020
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- Participants
- 20
- What was tested
- Punarnavadi Kashayam (48 ml twice daily) and Aswagandha Choorna (3 gm twice daily) for three menstrual cycles
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.47070/ijapr.v8isupply1.1625
Topics
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