A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Premenstrual Syndrome with Special Emphasis on Herbal Medicine and Nutritional Supplements. Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) involves physical and emotional symptoms linked to hormonal fluctuations. Recent research highlights the role of heavy metals and gut microbiome imbalances in worsening these symptoms. Lifestyle changes, microbiome-targeted therapies, and toxin reduction show promise in effective PMS management.
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Divine Aleru
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was reviewed?
This article presents a systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on the effectiveness of herbal medicine and nutritional supplements in managing Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). It reviews randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of various herbal remedies and supplements on both somatic and psycho-behavioral symptoms of PMS. The review highlights the safety, efficacy, and mechanisms of action of these treatments, while also addressing the limitations of current evidence.
Who was reviewed?
The review concentrates on women experiencing PMS, particularly those with both physical and psychological symptoms that significantly affect their daily functioning. It includes trials involving a wide range of herbal and nutritional interventions, aiming to provide clinicians with evidence of alternative therapies for managing PMS symptoms.
What were the most important findings?
The review reveals that herbal medicines and nutritional supplements can significantly reduce the severity of PMS symptoms, including physical, mood, and behavioral issues. It highlights specific interventions such as Vitex agnus castus (chaste tree), Zingiber officinale (ginger), and Crocus sativus (saffron) as particularly effective. The meta-analysis demonstrated a substantial reduction in Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST) scores, indicating notable symptom improvement. Additionally, the review found that certain interventions, such as Ginkgo biloba and vitamin B1, offered improvements in psychological symptoms like anxiety and depression.
Secondary findings also revealed positive effects on mood, physical symptoms, and behavior, with significant reductions in scores for physical symptoms and mood-related symptoms. The study concluded that herbal treatments, particularly when used over multiple cycles, have the potential to alleviate PMS symptoms significantly. However, it emphasized the need for high-quality trials to confirm these results and establish optimal treatment protocols. Importantly, the review also addressed the safety profile of these treatments, with most studies reporting mild adverse effects such as nausea or digestive discomfort.
What are the greatest implications of this review?
The greatest implication of this review is that herbal medicine and nutritional supplements represent a viable, non-pharmacological option for managing PMS symptoms, offering a safer alternative to traditional treatments with fewer side effects. This study provides clinicians with evidence-based recommendations for integrating these alternative therapies into PMS management, especially for patients who prefer natural treatments or experience adverse reactions to conventional medications. The review also underscores the need for more robust, high-quality studies to refine treatment guidelines, improve symptom assessment tools, and explore the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of herbal interventions. Clinicians can consider incorporating these findings into patient care plans while awaiting further evidence from future studies.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) involves physical and emotional symptoms linked to hormonal fluctuations. Recent research highlights the role of heavy metals and gut microbiome imbalances in worsening these symptoms. Lifestyle changes, microbiome-targeted therapies, and toxin reduction show promise in effective PMS management.