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Vitex agnus castus for premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a systematic review

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Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether Vitex agnus castus is a safe and effective treatment for PMS and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and to discuss the implications of these findings for clinical practice. A systematic review of literature was conducted using PubMed and Scielo databases. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCT) using V. agnus castus in individuals with PMS or PMDD that compared this intervention with placebo or an active comparator and included a description of blinding and dropouts/withdrawals. The search was conducted by two independent investigators who reached consensus on the included trials. A total of eight RCTs were included in this study. Most studies focused on PMS, and the diagnostic criteria of PMS and PMDD changed over the years. Three different preparations of V. agnus castus (VAC) were tested, and there was significant variability in the measurement of treatment outcomes between the studies. Nevertheless, all eight studies were positive for VAC in the treatment of PMS or PMDD and VAC was overall well tolerated. Main limitations were differences in definition of diagnostic criteria, the instruments used as main outcome measures, and different preparations of VAC extracts limit the comparison of results between studies. In conclusion, the RCTs using VAC for treatment of PMS/PMDD suggested that the VAC extract is a safe and efficacious alternative to be considered for the treatment of PMS/PMDD symptoms.

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Funding

This study was not funded

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Group in Behavioral and Molecular Neuroscience of Bipolar Disorder, Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Borges Lagoa, 570-10th Floor, Vila Clementino, Sao Paulo, SP, 04038-000, Brazil

    Raphael O. Cerqueira, Emilie Leclerc & Elisa Brietzke

  2. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada

    Benicio N. Frey

  3. Women’s Health Concerns Clinic and Mood Disorders Program, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada

    Benicio N. Frey

Authors
  1. Raphael O. Cerqueira
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  2. Benicio N. Frey
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  3. Emilie Leclerc
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  4. Elisa Brietzke
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Elisa Brietzke.

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This study did not involved research with human beings and did not require ethical approval and informed consent.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Cerqueira, R.O., Frey, B.N., Leclerc, E. et al. Vitex agnus castus for premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a systematic review. Arch Womens Ment Health 20, 713–719 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-017-0791-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-017-0791-0

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