Randomised trial, 2026
Do seed cycling capsules with chasteberry reduce PMS symptoms over two months?
Yes, women reported significant improvements in PMS symptoms including pain, cramping, bloating, mood, and sleep. However, this was an open-label study without a control group, so we cannot be sure the improvements are from the product rather than expectation.
What they did
A single-arm trial with 40 women aged 21-46 years who took seed cycling capsules for two menstrual cycles. They took ZEST capsules (flaxseed and pumpkin seed) on days 1-14 and ZEN capsules (sesame seed, sunflower seed, psyllium, and chasteberry) on days 15-28. Symptoms were assessed at baseline and after each cycle.
What they found
All nine evaluated PMS symptom parameters showed significant improvement by cycle 2. Women reported a 73.86% decrease in sick days related to menstrual issues. By cycle 2, 71.79% reported improvements in pain, 66.67% in cramping and bloating, and 61.54% reported improved mood, sleep, and skin clarity.
What it means for you
The results are promising but limited by the lack of a control group and open-label design, meaning women knew they were taking an active product. This makes it unclear how much improvement came from the product versus expectation. Larger controlled trials are needed.
40
women in the study
73.86%
decrease in sick days by cycle 2
2
menstrual cycles
About the study
- Original title
- Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome in Women Receiving Seed Cycling Capsules With Chasteberry: A Single-Arm Clinical Trial Over Two Cycles
- Authors
- O'Gorman E, Kaunzner UW, Mitschke S
- Journal
- Cureus
- Year
- 2026
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 40
- What was tested
- Seed cycling capsules with chasteberry for two menstrual cycles
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.7759/cureus.115036
Original abstract
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menstrual irregularities are common concerns among women in their menstruating years and may negatively affect physical health, emotional well-being, daily functioning, and overall quality of life. This prospective, virtual, single-arm clinical trial evaluated the use of Two Moons Seed Cycling Capsules, ZEST and ZEN, on changes in the severity and frequency of PMS-related symptoms across two menstrual cycles. ZEST, comprising organic flaxseed and organic pumpkin seed, was taken during days 1-14 of the cycle, while ZEN, comprising organic sesame seed, organic sunflower seed, and other organic ingredients not traditionally used in seed cycling, psyllium, and chasteberry (also known as Vitex agnus-castus ), was taken during days 15-28 of the cycle. A total of 40 women aged 21-46 years completed a baseline survey and began product use at the start of their next menstrual period. Follow-up questionnaires were completed at the end of Cycle 1 and Cycle 2. By the end of Cycle 2, participants demonstrated significant improvement in Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) scores, Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) scores for menstrual cramping, and a 73.86% decrease in the number of sick days attributed to menstrual-related issues. All nine evaluated PMS-related symptom parameters showed significant improvement by the end of Cycle 2. These included reductions in the frequency of digestive upset, breast tenderness, and PMS symptoms that interfered with productivity. Participant perception data further indicated strong satisfaction with the product experience. By the end of Cycle 2, 10 of 15 product-related statements received strong (≥70%) or majority agreement (50-69%) from the participants, including perceived improvements in premenstrual and menstrual pain (n = 28, 71.79%), cramping (n = 26, 66.67%), bloating (n = 26, 66.67%), mood (n = 24, 61.54%), sleep (n = 24, 61.54%), and skin clarity (n = 24, 61.54%). Overall, the findings suggest that intake of the test product was associated with cumulative reductions in the severity and frequency of PMS-related symptoms over two menstrual cycles. These results support the potential role of seed cycling capsules as a wellness intervention for managing premenstrual and menstrual symptoms. However, because this study used an open-label, single-arm design without a control group, further large-scale, randomized, controlled studies are recommended to validate these findings and better assess the efficacy of the test product.
Reproduced under CC-BY.
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