Effect of Melissa officinalis Capsule on the Intensity of Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms in High School Girl Students

Abstract

Background:Several studies are conducted on Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). However, a few herbal surveys exist on the treatment of PMS in Iran. Due to the sedative effects of Melissa officinalis (M. officinalis), this question comes to mind that “can it be used in the treatment of PMS symptoms?”Objectives:The current study aimed to assess the effect of M. officinalis capsule on the intensity of PMS in high-school girls.Materials and Methods:A double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled trial was performed on 100 high school girls from 2013 to 2014. The intervention group (n = 50) received 1200 mg of M. officinalis essence daily from the first to the last day of their menstrual cycle for three consecutive cycles. The second group (n = 50) received the placebo. The premenstrual symptoms screening tool was used to assess the intensity of PMS symptoms in the two groups before and one, two, and three months after the intervention. The data were analyzed using paired t-test and repeated measures analysis of variance.Results:The results of repeated measures test revealed a significant reduction (P < 0.001) in PMS symptoms. Overall, the mean score of PMS intensity in the intervention group was 42.56 + 15.73 before the intervention and changed to 32.72 ± 13.24, 30.02 ± 12.08, and 13.90 ± 10.22 at the three consecutive months after the intervention, respectively (P = 0.001).Conclusions:M. officinalis capsules were effective in reduction of the PMS symptoms. Yet, application of this medication requires further investigations.

GABA‐modulating phytomedicines for anxiety: A systematic review of preclinical and clinical evidence

“…Several similar studies with other laboratory‐based paradigms have also reported improvements from M. officinalis , which are consistent with anxiolytic‐like effects (Kennedy et al, ; Kennedy, Little, & Scholey, ; Scholey et al, ). Finally, a double‐blind RCT in 100 school age females (Akbarzadeh et al, ) reported efficacy of 1200 mg of M. officinalis extract daily over 3 months for reducing stress and tension associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder.…”

Investigation of Self-Esteem in High School Students with Premenstrual Syndrome

“…Therefore, premenstrual syndrome as the periodical recurrence of a set of annoying physical, mental, and behavioral disorders in the luteal phase of menstrual cycle is a burden on quality of life in adolescents (19,20). Especially, increased severity in PMS symptoms results in decreased quality of mental health, reduced work productivity and more workdays missed for health reasons (21).…”

“…Due to the changes in the quality of life, self-esteem might be affected. Besides, Akbarzadeh et al revealed that "In Iran, it has been estimated that 98.2% of female university students averagely or severely experience at least one of the PMS symptoms at the age 18 -27 years" (20).…”

Evaluation of aromatherapy with essential oils of Rosa damascena for the management of premenstrual syndrome

“…To the best of our knowledge, previous studies into of the effects of aromatherapy on the social functions of PMS have been limited, with some articles having reported that Melissa officinalis in capsule form was associated with reduced severity of physical, mental and social symptoms . It should be noted that ameliorating physical and mental symptoms of PMS could be expected to improve social functions.…”