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HUTTENBERG, GERMANY. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is characterized by
irritability, aggression, tension, anxiety, and depression and may also involve
fluid retention, breast tenderness, headaches, weight gain and a bloated
feeling. PMS affects pre-menopausal women and usually lasts from one week
before to a few days after the start of menstruation.
German researchers now report that a dry extract of agnus castus fruit (Vitex
agnus castusL) also known as chaste berry is highly effective in reducing
PMS symptoms. Their randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
involved 170 women (mean age of 36 years) who were assigned to receive one
tablet daily of agnus castus extract or a matched placebo for three full
menstrual cycles. They were asked to assess the extent of their symptoms for
the previous three cycles at baseline and after three cycles of supplementation.
The results were very convincing – 52 per cent of the women in the agnus castus
group felt that they had improved more than 50 per cent as compared to only 24
per cent in the placebo group. The reductions in irritability, anger, mood
changes, headaches, and breast fullness were particularly impressive. The self-
assessment scores were corroborated through evaluation by the participating
physicians. The researchers conclude that agnus castus is well tolerated and
effective for the treatment of PMS.
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