A double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of Vitex agnus castus premenstrual syndrom

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of Vitex agnus castus (VACS) extract in the alleviation of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. The study was designed as a double-blind, placebo controlled trial in two parallels groups (15 patients each). Treatment phase lasted 3 consequent menstrual cycles (2*30 drops/day=1.8 ml of VACS) or placebo. For assessment of the efficacy visual analogue scale was used. Altogether 20 patients were included into the stastiscal analysis (each 10 patients). Treatment with Vitex a good relief of mental symptoms in 70% of cases compared to 30% for placebo. Seventy percent of women showed a greater than 50% improvement in score compared with only 40% taking placebo. We encourage women who want to try alternative PMS therapies to consider Vitex agnus.