The treatment of premenstrual syndrome with preparations of Vitex agnus castus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Verkaik S, Kamperman AM, van Westrhenen R, Schulte PFJ
Published in American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Methodology
Meta-analysis of 8 placebo-controlled randomised trials of Vitex agnus castus in premenstrual syndrome, with risk-of-bias appraisal.
Key Findings
Pooled effect sizes were large but the three trials with low risk of bias yielded substantially smaller effects, and heterogeneity was high.
Conclusions
Vitex agnus castus probably helps premenstrual syndrome, but effect sizes in high-quality trials are far smaller than in weaker studies.
Limitations
High heterogeneity; several trials produced by extract manufacturers.
Supplements Studied
Trials with low risk of bias yielded substantially smaller effect sizes than weaker studies of Vitex agnus castus.
Outcomes Measured
Vitex probably improves premenstrual symptoms, though high-quality trials show smaller effects.
Vitex extract produced a large reduction in premenstrual symptom scores versus placebo
Vitex extract produced a large reduction in premenstrual symptom scores versus placebo
Vitex extract produced a large reduction in premenstrual symptom scores versus placebo
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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