Lab study, 2026
How does Hong-Hua-Xiao-Yao Tablet work to help PMS symptoms?
This rat study shows the tablet may work by changing how the body handles glucose and fats and by reducing brain inflammation. Results cannot yet be applied to women with PMS.
What they did
Researchers gave Hong-Hua-Xiao-Yao Tablet to female rats and studied how it works using multiple methods. They analyzed blood chemicals, measured how genes were expressed in tissues, analyzed gut bacteria composition, tested effects on brain cells in the laboratory, and tested individual compounds to see which ones were active.
What they found
The tablet changed how the body handles glucose, fat molecules, and cell membrane components. Four specific compounds from one ingredient (glycyrrhizic acid, 18-beta-glycyrrhetinic acid, liquiritin, and liquiritigenin) reduced inflammation in brain cells. Researchers identified 62 compounds that entered the blood after treatment, with 36 from one main ingredient. Gut bacteria appeared to play a role in some of the benefits.
What it means for you
The tablet may work through changes in how the body processes glucose and fats, and through reducing brain inflammation. These findings are from rat studies and cannot yet be applied to women. Human studies are needed to confirm whether the tablet helps women with PMS.
62
blood-absorbed compounds identified
36
from one ingredient
4
compounds that reduced brain inflammation
About the study
- Original title
- Mechanistic study on the holistic actions of Hong-Hua-Xiao-Yao Tablet in alleviating premenstrual syndrome in rats
- Authors
- Wei W, Li M, Chen K et al.
- Journal
- Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
- Year
- 2026
- Study design
- Lab study
- What was tested
- Hong-Hua-Xiao-Yao Tablet
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2026.158161
Topics
Related studies
Randomised trial, 2006
What herbs and dietary supplements have evidence for treating premenstrual syndrome?
Study, 2026
What coping strategies help women manage PMS symptoms?
Survey study, 2016
How do women use complementary and alternative medicine for menstrual pain?
Case-control study, 2009
How common is irritable bowel syndrome in Korean teenage girls and what causes it?
Survey study, 2026
What coping methods do women with PMS use?
Survey study, 2024
What do pharmacy students know about using herbs for PMS?