Randomised trial, 2010
Does Vitex agnus castus reduce moderate-to-severe PMS in Chinese women?
Yes, Vitex extract significantly reduced PMS symptoms by the 3rd cycle, with 60 percent or greater symptom reduction in the treatment group compared to placebo, especially for mood and water retention.
What they did
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in China. 67 women with moderate-to-severe PMS were enrolled and assigned to Vitex or placebo groups. Women took one tablet daily for 3 menstrual cycles. Symptoms were tracked with a daily rating scale measuring four factors: negative affect (mood), water retention, food cravings, and pain.
What they found
Treatment group symptom scores dropped from 29.38 at baseline to 4.28 by the 3rd cycle. Placebo group dropped from 28.76 to 11.79. All four symptom factors were significantly reduced by cycle 3. More women in the treatment group achieved 60 percent or greater symptom reduction than in placebo. Treatment was especially effective for mood and water retention.
What it means for you
Vitex is effective for moderate-to-severe PMS in Chinese women, particularly for improving mood and reducing water retention. The main limitation is that the study included only Chinese women, so results may not apply to other populations.
67
Women enrolled
29.38
Baseline symptom score
4.28
Cycle 3 score
About the study
- Original title
- Treatment of moderate to severe premenstrual syndrome with Vitex agnus castus (BNO 1095) in Chinese women
- Authors
- Ma L, Lin S, Chen R et al.
- Journal
- Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology
- Year
- 2010
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 1,095
- What was tested
- Vitex agnus castus extract (BNO 1095) once daily or placebo
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.3109/09513591003632126
Topics
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