Systematic review, 2017
Does Vitex agnus castus help treat premenstrual syndrome?
The meta-analysis found a large pooled effect of Vitex agnus castus compared to placebo, but the included studies have significant quality problems, publication bias, and very different results from each other, so we cannot confidently say it truly works.
What they did
Systematic review and meta-analysis searching multiple databases for randomized controlled trials of Vitex agnus castus lasting at least 2 menstrual cycles for PMS or PMDD. Evaluated study quality and extracted data from 17 trials, 14 of which were included in quantitative analysis.
What they found
Found 17 trials total. Thirteen of 14 placebo-controlled studies reported Vitex agnus castus was better than placebo. The pooled effect size was large (Hedges g -1.21, 95% confidence interval -1.53 to -0.88), but heterogeneity was extremely high (I squared 91%). Evidence of publication bias was detected, suggesting positive studies are more likely to be published.
What it means for you
Although the numbers look promising, the included studies have high risk of bias, results differ greatly from each other, and publication bias is present. These problems together mean we cannot confidently conclude Vitex agnus castus works for PMS.
17
Randomized controlled trials found
14
Included in quantitative analysis
-1.21
Pooled effect size
About the study
- Original title
- The treatment of premenstrual syndrome with preparations of Vitex agnus castus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Authors
- Verkaik S, Kamperman AM, van Westrhenen R et al.
- Journal
- American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
- Year
- 2017
- Study design
- Systematic review
- What was tested
- Vitex agnus castus preparations
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2017.02.028
Topics
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