1999

    Treatment of cyclical mastalgia with a solution containing a Vitex agnus castus extract

    Halaska M, Beles P, Gorkow C, Sieder C

    Published in Breast

    Abstract

    Randomized controlled trial demonstrating vitex extract significantly reduced cyclical breast pain compared to placebo, with benefits appearing after 2 cycles and continuing to improve through 3 cycles.

    Methodology

    Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial over three menstrual cycles.

    Key Findings

    In women with cyclical mastalgia, a Vitex agnus castus solution reduced breast pain on visual analogue scale significantly more than placebo across three treatment cycles, with the difference emerging by the second cycle. Tolerability was comparable to placebo.

    Conclusions

    Vitex agnus castus provides modest short-term relief of cyclical breast pain relative to placebo.

    Limitations

    Small single-trial sample, three-cycle duration, subjective primary outcome, and manufacturer involvement in the study; the specific alcoholic extract limits generalization to other vitex products.

    Study Details

    Year:1999
    Sample Size:104
    Duration:12 weeks
    Quality Score:6/10

    Disclosures

    Funding

    Supported by the extract manufacturer (Zeller/Strathmann).

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