Comparison of Fennel and Chamomile extract and placebo in treatment of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrheal

Introduction: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and dysmenorrheal are experienced by majority of women in reproductive age and in 1% of the women it is severe enough to interfere with social interaction and work performance. Many investigations on treatment of this problem, in particular on treatment with chemical drugs, have been carried out. The aim in this study is to find whether or not herbaceous drugs such as Fennel and Chamomile, which are generally used in traditional medicine, are effective in treatment of dysmenorrheal and PMS. Methods: In this clinical trial study, 60 women over 16 years of age with a convincing history of premenstrual syndrome were randomly selected and their PMS and dysmenorrheal experiences were investigated in 5 menstruation cycles. During the 1st cycle, they didn’t take any medication, during the 2nd and 3rd cycles they took Fennel extract and during 4th and 5th cycles, they took Chamomile extract. After each cycle they completed a questionnaire containing 16 PMS symptoms. Friedman statistical test was used to compare the results from different cycles. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Based on the results, there was a significant difference between severity of symptoms in the control cycle, and other cycles in 3 of the 16 PMS symptoms (p<0.05). These three symptoms were pelvic and abdominal pains, fatigue and lethargy, depression and anger. As for other symptoms, the severity in the Fennel and Chamomile herbal drugs cycles was less than that of the control cycle, but this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: According to this study, Fennel and Chamomile are effective in reducing some PMS disorders. Fennel is more effective in pelvic and abdominal pain and depression but Chamomile is more effective in fatigue and lethargy