A recent study was done on students with PMS living in Tehran. Eighty-five women completed the study. Participants were given 40 mg three times daily of a standardized ginkgo extract or a placebo from day 16 of the cycle to day 5 of the next cycle. Self-administered questionnaires were used and a diagnosis of PMS had been established according to conventionally accepted criteria.
After the treatment period, there was a significant decrease in the overall severity of symptoms and physical and psychological symptoms in both the Ginkgo group (23.68%) and the placebo group (8.74%). The average decrease in the severity of symptoms was significantly more in the Ginkgo group compared to the placebo group.
Comments: The results of this study demonstrated that ginkgo was more effective than placebo in reducing the severity of symptoms and the severity of physical and psychological symptoms in young women in Iran, with PMS. A previous study also found benefits with ginkgo and PMS, especially with breast tenderness and fluid retention. They also saw significant improvements in irritability and aggression, compared with placebo. The current study confirms the benefits of a standardized extract of ginkgo for the treatment of PMS. Based on the published -research to date, standardized extracts of – Vitex agnus castus (chaste tree berry), Hypericum perforatum (St. Johns wort) and Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo), appear to be the most effective botanical treatments for PMS. I would encourage women and their practitioners to seek PMS formulas that have at minimum, these three botanicals in the formulation.
References
Ozgoli G, Selselei E, Mojab F, Majd H. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of ginkgo biloba in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome.
