Review, 2009
Does Vitex agnus castus help PMS symptoms?
This review of previous studies suggests that Vitex might help PMS by lowering a hormone called prolactin, but we need stronger research to be sure.
What they did
This is a review article that looked at existing research on PMS and Vitex, a plant extract also called chaste berry. The review summarized what was known about whether Vitex could help PMS symptoms.
What they found
Previous clinical studies and double-blind trials suggested that Vitex preparations might reduce high prolactin levels, which may be connected to PMS. The review concludes Vitex could be useful for treating PMS symptoms including mood swings, anxiety, depression, breast pain, and food cravings.
What it means for you
The evidence in this review is indirect because it summarizes other people's research rather than presenting new findings. The review suggests a mechanism but does not give specific numbers about how well Vitex works or how many women benefit. We need proper clinical trials to know if Vitex actually helps PMS.
5
PMS symptoms listed
About the study
- Original title
- [The premenstrual syndrome: effectiveness of Vitex agnus castus]
- Authors
- Döll M
- Journal
- Medizinische Monatsschrift fur Pharmazeuten
- Year
- 2009
- Study design
- Review
- What was tested
- Vitex agnus castus extract.
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19469189/
Topics
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