Herbal medicine in the treatment of premenstrual syndromes

Premenstrual syndromes [PMS] are a group of menstrually related, chronic and cyclical disorders characterized by emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms in the second half [luteal phase] of the menstrual cycle. Several line of evidence point to a significant role of the serotonergic system in the course of the luteal phase in women with PMS/ Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. It has been reported that herbal medicine is useful in relieving the symptoms of PMS. An American telephone survey suggested that up to 80% self-medicating sufferers use complementary remedies. This review focused on herbal medicine in the treatment of PMS