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Dose-dependent efficacy of the Vitex agnus castus extract Ze 440 in patients suffering from premenstrual syndrome.

AbstractBACKGROUND:
Preparations of Vitex agnus castus L. (VAC) have been shown to be effective to treat irregular menstrual cycles, cyclical mastalgia and symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome (PMS). However, the dose-effect relationship for the treatment of PMS has not yet been established. This study aimed to investigate the clinical effects of three different doses of the VAC extract Ze 440 in comparison to placebo in patients suffering from PMS.
METHODS:
In a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, 162 female patients with PMS (18-45 years) were randomized to either placebo or different doses of Ze 440 (8, 20 and 30 mg) over three menstrual cycles. PMS symptoms' severity was assessed by patients using visual analog scales (VAS) for the symptoms irritability, mood alteration, anger, headache, bloating and breast fullness.
RESULTS:
Each of the treatments was well tolerated. Improvement in the total symptom score (TSS) in the 20mg group was significantly higher than in the placebo and 8 mg treatment group. The higher dose of 30 mg, on the other hand, did not significantly decrease symptom severity compared to the 20mg treatment, providing a rational for the usage of 20mg. Corresponding results were observed with the single PMS symptom scores.
CONCLUSION:
This study demonstrated that the VAC extract Ze 440 was effective in relieving symptoms of PMS, when applied in a dose of 20mg. Therefore, for patients suffering from PMS, 20mg Ze 440 should be the preferred daily dose.
AuthorsRuediger Schellenberg, Christian Zimmermann, Jürgen Drewe, Godehard Hoexter, Catherine Zahner
JournalPhytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology (Phytomedicine) Vol. 19 Issue 14 Pg. 1325-31 (Nov 15 2012) ISSN: 1618-095X [Electronic] Germany
PMID23022391 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
CopyrightCopyright © 2012 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
Chemical References
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • Vitex agnus castus extract
Topics
  • Adult
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal (administration & dosage, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Phytotherapy
  • Premenstrual Syndrome (complications, drug therapy)
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Vitex
  • Young Adult

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