Randomised trial, 2024
Is Jiawei Xiaoyao pill effective and safe for treating premenstrual syndrome?
Yes, women who took Jiawei Xiaoyao pill experienced significantly greater reduction in PMS symptoms than those taking placebo (p=0.002 and p=0.001), with no serious side effects reported.
What they did
Randomized controlled trial at 8 sites in China from August 2017 to December 2018. 144 women with regular periods and PMS complaints were randomly assigned to receive either Jiawei Xiaoyao pill or placebo (12 grams daily, 6 grams twice a day) for 3 menstrual cycles.
What they found
The pill group showed greater reduction in DRSP scores (which measure psychological and physical symptoms during the luteal phase) compared to placebo (p=0.002 for one measure, p=0.001 for another). There were no significant differences in adverse events between the two groups.
What it means for you
This Chinese herbal medicine may reduce PMS symptoms safely. The study was done only in China and focused on one specific type of PMS pattern, so results may not apply to all women or other countries.
144
total participants
3
menstrual cycles of treatment
0.002
p-value for symptom reduction
About the study
- Original title
- Effectiveness and safety of Jiawei Xiaoyao pill in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (liver depression, spleen deficiency, and blood-heat syndrome): a multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
- Authors
- Xiyu LI, Yanhong Y, Jian S et al.
- Journal
- Journal of traditional Chinese medicine = Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan
- Year
- 2024
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 144
- What was tested
- Jiawei Xiaoyao pill 12 grams daily (6 grams twice daily) or matching placebo for 3 menstrual cycles
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20231110.003
Topics
Related studies
Randomised trial, 2024
Is Ganyushu Granule effective and safe for premenstrual syndrome?
Systematic review, 2023
Does saffron help with PMS, labor pain, and menopause symptoms?
Review, 2017
Can combining different types of treatments help PMS more than using one approach alone?
Systematic review, 2017
Is Vitex agnus castus safe and effective for treating PMS and PMDD?
Review, 2015
What treatments work best for PMDD and PMS?
Review, 2015
What do we know about PMS and PMDD and how are they treated?