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Survey study, 2024

Does a Chinese herbal medicine called ShuYu capsule help PMDD symptoms?

In rats with PMDD-like symptoms, ShuYu capsules improved mood and reduced pain sensitivity. This is early animal research that hasn't been tested in women yet.

Early or limited evidence Rats with PMDD-like symptoms

What they did

Researchers gave a Chinese herbal medicine (ShuYu capsules) to rats that had PMDD-like symptoms. They measured changes in mood and pain sensitivity, and examined how the medication affected specific brain chemicals.

What they found

ShuYu capsules improved mood-related behavior and reduced pain sensitivity in rats, producing effects similar to the standard PMDD medication fluoxetine. The capsules appeared to work by affecting the same brain chemicals.

What it means for you

This suggests ShuYu capsules might help both emotional and physical PMDD symptoms through effects on brain chemistry. This is animal research, not yet tested in women, so it's unknown whether results would apply to people.

About the study

Original title
ShuYu capsule alleviates emotional and physical symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder: Impact on ALLO decline and GABA A receptor δ subunit in the PAG area
Authors
Geng X, Wang X, Liu K et al.
Journal
Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
Year
2024
Study design
Survey study
What was tested
ShuYu capsule (traditional Chinese herbal medicine)

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