Efficacy of Nardostachys jatamansi DC. in the management of premenstrual syndrome: A randomized controlled study

Abstract

AimsThe aim of the present study was to examine the efficacy and safety of Nardostachys jatamansi in reducing PMS symptoms in otherwise healthy women. MethodsThis single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 60 women aged between 18 and 45 years. The participants were randomly allocated to receive either a total of 4 g of N. jatamansi (2 capsules 3 times a day) or placebo for the 15 days prior to menstruation, for two consecutive menstrual cycles. Premenstrual tension syndrome observer-rating scale (PMTS-O), premenstrual tension syndrome self-rating scale (PMTS-SR) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were recorded at baseline and then after the first and second cycle of treatment. An additional follow-up with participants was conducted one month after cessation of treatment. ResultsAfter the two months of treatment, there was a statistically significant reduction in average PMTS-O and PMTS-SR scores in the N. jatamansi group (p < 0.001) whereas there was no significant difference in average PMTS-O and PMTS-SR scores observed in the placebo group (p = 0.197 and 0.271, respectively). A comparison between baseline and post treatment scores in the N. jatamansi group showed a significant reduction in all VAS domains other than swelling of extremities and in the placebo group there was no statistically significant reduction observed in any of the 10 VAS domains. The intergroup analysis revealed that the reduction in VAS scores was significantly greater across all symptoms except swelling of extremities in the N. jatamansi than the placebo group (p < 0.001). ConclusionN. jatamansi was shown to be both safe and effective in the management of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Further clinical investigations are therefore warranted.