PMS Revolution

Vitex (Chasteberry) is a popular herb approved by the German Commission E for PMS and mastalgia. Vitex is known to be dopaminergic and to inhibit prolactin secretion. Researchers have demonstrated Vitex reduces the depressive symptoms of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMMD) to the same extent as fluoxitine, lengthens short luteal phases, and supports luteal progesterone synthesis. The outcome of one study was a significant reduction in breast tenderness, headache, constipation, edema, and tension.

Parsley has documented diuretic effects through inhibition of the Na+K pump. It is considered to have cleansing and detoxifying properties.

Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale) is used for its mild diuretic and cleansing effects. Dandelion has documented ability to increase phase 2 detoxification and can stimulate growth of bifidobacteria in the gut.

Dong Quai (Angelica sinesis) has been used traditionally to alleviate symptoms of PMS, menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, headache, and neuralgia. It is a blood tonic, promotes circulation, and can relieve pelvic congestion.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) functions as a weak phytoestrogen and has long been used to regulate menstruation and relieve menstrual cramps. Glycyrrhizin, its main constituent, has been shown to stimulate the adrenal cortex and reduce alanine transminase and aspartate transminase values in the serum.

Paeonia lactiflorae (bai shao yao) is a traditional Chinese herb used to help regulate menses and decrease pain. Peony can stimulate the uterine muscles; yet at the same time reduces muscle tension. Paeonia’s analgesic and anti-spasmotic qualities are magnified when combined with licorice.

Chen Pi (Pericarpium), a traditional Chinese herb from aged tangerine peel helps relieve symptoms of breast tenderness and prevents stagnation. It is also helpful in relieving abdominal pain.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) helps relieve pain and reduce inflammation associated with muscle spasm. It is thought to be good for the circulation and counters nausea and gas. Ginger is included for its “warming” effect that balances the “cooling” effects of other herbs in PMS Revolution.

Red Raspberry (Rubus Idaeus) has been used by women for centuries to support and balance the reproductive system, It aides in uterine toning and facilitates efficient menstruation.

Bupleurum (Chai hu) is a traditional “female cycle balancer” that has uterine anti-spasmotic activity. It can relieve tension, congestion, and bleeding associated with menstrual irregularity. Bupleurum is an adpatogen that has analgesic and inflammatory actions. It is detoxifying and hepato-protective, having the ability to decrease SGOT and SPGT. Bupleurum has been shown to regulate the neuro-endocrine system by increasing beta-endorphine, and decreasing epinephrine and dopamine which probably accounts for its mildly sedative properties.

Directions

Take 2 capsules daily

References

1. Berger D, Schaffner W. Schrader E, Meier B, Brattstrom A. Efficacy of Vitex agnus castus L extract Ze 440 patients with pre-menstrual sydrome. Arch Gynecol Obstet.2000 Nov;263(3):150-3 [PMID: 11129515]
2. Wuttke W, Jarry H, Christoffel V, Spengler B, Seidlova-wuttke D. Chaste tree (Vitex angus-castus)–phramacology and clinical indications. Phytomedicine. 2003 May:10(4):348-57. Review. [PMID: 12809367]
3. Atmaca M, Kumru S, Tezcan E. Fluoxetine versus Vitex agnus castus extract in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Hum pyschophermacol. 2003 Apr;18(3):191-5. [PMID: 12672170]
4. Kreydiyyeh SI, Usta J. Diuretic effect and mechanism of action of parsley. J Ethnopharmacol. 2002 Mar; 79(3): 353-7. [PMID: 11849841]
5. Maliakal pp, Wanwimolruk S. Effect of herbal teas on hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes in rats. J pharm Pharmacol. 2001 Oct;53(10): 13223-9. [PMID: 11697539]
6. Chen JK, Chen T. Dang Gui- Blood – Tonifying Herbs. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry, CA. Art of medicine Press, Inc. 2001. p919
7. Estrogenic and antiproliferative properties of glabridin from licorice in human breast cancer cells. Cancer Res. 2000 Oct 15;60(20):57049. [PMID: 11059763]
8. Chen JK, Chen T. Chi Shao. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry, CA. Art of Medicine Press, Inc 2001 p 162
9. Zhang M, Shen Y, Zhu Z, Chen G. Pharmacological studies on warming the middle-jiao to alleviate pain by Pericarpium Zanthoxyli. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1991 Aug; 16(8):493-7, 513 [PMID: 1804190]
10. Chrubasik S, Pittler MH, Roufogalis BD, Zingiberis rhizoma: a comprehensive review on the ginger effect and efficacy profiles. Phyto- medicine. 2005 Sep;12(9):684-701. [PMID: 16194058]
11. Patel AV, Rojas-Vera J, Dacke CG. Therapeutic Constituents and actions of Rubus species. Curr Med Chem. 2004 Jun:11(11):1501-12. Review. [PMID:15180580]
12. Prieto JM, Giner RM, Recio MC, Manez S, Rios JL. Dual inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 and 5-lipoxygenase by aerial part of Bupleurum fruiticercens methanol extract. Fitoterapia. 2004 Mar.75(2):179-86. [PMID: 15030922]
13. Chen JX, Ji B, Lu ZL, Hu LS. Effects of chai hu (radix burpleuri) containing formulation on plasma beta-endorphin, epinepherine and dopamine on patients. Am J Chin Med. 2005;33 (5): 737-45. [PMID: 16265986]