Evaluating therapeutic effect in symptoms of moderate-to-severe premenstrual syndrome with Vitex agnus castus (BNO 1095) in Chinese women.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To assess therapeutic effect of an extract of Vitex agnus castus (VAC, BNO 1095) in premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in Chinese women.

DESIGN:

It was a prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study carried out in China. Eligible patients were treated with VAC extract or placebo for three cycles. Symptoms were documented with PMS diary (PMSD), a daily rating scale with 17 items. Main efficacy variable was the reduction percentage of 17 symptom score documented in PMSD during the luteal phase of the third treatment cycle.

RESULTS:

A total of 67 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to VAC group or placebo group. Of these, 64 patients completed the study (31 vs. 33). All the 17 symptoms showed a significantly greater improvement with VAC than placebo (P < 0.05) except lower abdominal cramping (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Vitex agnus castus is more effective than placebo in the treatment of moderate-to-severe PMS in Chinese women, especially in symptoms of negative effect and insomnia.

• Authors: Linlin Ma, Shouqing Lin, Rong Chen, Ying Zhang, Fengling Chen, Xiuli Wang
• Journal: The Australian & New Zealand journal of obstetrics & gynaecology (Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol) Vol. 50 Issue 2 Pg. 189-93 (Apr 2010) ISSN: 1479-828X [Electronic] Australia
• PMID: 20522079 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Drugs, Chinese Herbal

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Asian People
• Colic (drug therapy)
• Drugs, Chinese Herbal (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Premenstrual Syndrome (drug therapy)
• Prospective Studies
• Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders (drug therapy)
• Treatment Outcome
• Vitex
• Young Adult