Dr. Juan Luis Vidal, researcher at the European University of the Atlantic (UNEATLANTICO), is participating in a study analysing the efficacy and safety of herbal medicine and nutritional supplements to treat premenstrual symptoms.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms that begin during the second half of the menstrual cycle (14 days or more after the first day of the last menstrual cycle) and usually disappear 1 to 2 days after the menstrual period begins. They have a significant impact on women’s quality of life and involve more doctor visits, family conflicts, reduced work productivity and problems in personal and social relationships. This is a common and recurrent gynaecological problem affecting 20-30% of women of reproductive age with clinically significant premenstrual symptoms. Common psychological symptoms include anxiety and depression.
The cause of PMS is not clearly defined, which precludes definitive treatment. However, there are several options for symptom relief, both pharmacological (such as GnRH agonists, oral contraceptives, SSRIs, benzodiazepines) and non-pharmacological (exercise, cognitive behavioural therapy, caffeine reduction, education, increased calcium and carbohydrates). Despite their effectiveness, these treatments can have significant side effects. Many women prefer complementary and alternative therapies, such as nutritional supplements and herbal medicines. Therefore, Unani medicinal plants, such as saffron, borage, barberry, chaste berry, chamomile, ginger, fennel and anise seed, have been studied for their natural symptom-reducing benefits. These herbs offer antidepressant, anxiolytic, sedative, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
Systematic reviews have been conducted on the use of herbs and acupuncture to treat premenstrual syndrome, exploring the efficacy of different plants and supplements. However, no recent update of these reviews is available that evaluates the efficacy and safety of these therapies according to risk assessment tools. This study aims to fill that gap through a meta-analysis and systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs), assessing the impact of herbs and supplements on symptoms.
The main objective of the study was to assess the safety and efficacy of herbs and nutritional supplements in the treatment of premenstrual symptoms. A meta-analysis of RCTs was conducted comparing these treatments with conventional medical options or placebos, analysing their effect on somatic, psychological and behavioural symptoms.
Overall, the study emphasises the low risk and high quality of herbal medicine on premenstrual somatic and psycho-behavioural symptoms. Although this syndrome is a complex disorder with as yet uncertain mechanisms, it is suggested that oxidative stress and chronic inflammation may play a key role in its development. Hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone, which normally have antioxidant effects, may contribute to oxidative damage in women with the syndrome. In addition, impaired production of allopregnanolone and its interaction with serotonin reuptake inhibitors may influence depressive symptoms.
Plant products, such as flavonoids and tannins, possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may alleviate premenstrual symptoms. For example, Ginkgo and ginger have positive effects on mood and physical symptoms due to their bioactive components. Vitamin B1 can also improve metabolism and central nervous system function.
Micronutrients, such as zinc and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), have also shown benefits in reducing symptoms. Curcumin, found in turmeric, may regulate neurotransmitters and improve mood and physical symptoms during menstruation.
In summary, although more research is needed, plant- and micronutrient-based treatments offer promising potential for alleviating premenstrual symptoms through their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and nervous system-regulating effects.
To learn more about this study, click here.
To read more research, consult the UNEATLANTICO repository.