Comparison of hypericum perforatum and placebo in treatment of physical symptoms of premenstrual syndrome

Introduction: A variety of maladies, sometimes disabling, beset many ovulatory women in a recurrent manner during the luteal phase of each ovarian cycle. These problems can deteriorate interpersonal relationships and/or interfere with normal activities of life. Present research was performed to evaluate effects of hypericum perforatum for treatment of physical symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Materials and Methods: This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group compassion study performed over two menstrual cycles on student of Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Tehran University. Volunteers underwent a preliminary screening interview, completed Beck questionnaire as a screening test for depression and attended a medical screening visit before being diagnosed as having premenstrual syndrome. Participants administrated hypericum or placebo, 30 drops BD, for two complete cycles. Premenstrual symptoms were evaluated by a daily symptom report form. Data analysis performed by Chi square, Fisher exact, Wilcoxon and t tests. Results: Premenstrual daily hypericum caused a significant improvement in mean daily score of severity of premenstrual problems compared to placebo (p