(NaturalPath) Premenstrual symptoms (PMS) can often cause physical discomfort and mood disturbances for several days. Curcumin has long been known to have anti-inflammatory effects and it was proposed that it could also be used for the reduction of PMS symptoms.
Seventy females were recruited between the ages of 18-34, with consistent 21-35 day cycles. They were also on no medications, reported no alcohol or tobacco consumption, and no recent life stresses within the last 3 months. They were classified as having premenstrual syndrome (PMS) for the purposes of the study if they confirmed 5 out of 19 symptoms under the DSM-IV criteria for PMS. DSM-IV criteria symptoms were classified in 3 different categories of mood, behavioral, and physical symptoms. The symptoms were then rated based on their severity of either absent, mild, moderate, or severe an in relation to activities of daily living (ADLs).
Control data was taken retrospectively from the previous 2 months of cycles and then the participants were followed for 3 cycles. The experimental group received 100mg every 12 hours of curcumin, while the control group received placebo at the same intervals. The supplementation started 7 days before the projected start date of the cycle, and for 3 days after the onset of menstrual bleeding.
Results showed that curcumin was more effective than placebo in significantly reducing PMS symptoms over the 3-month period. It is suggested then that curcumin supplementation could be an effective method for reducing PMS symptoms and should be considered in treatment regimes.
http://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2015-12/curcumin-and-premenstrual-syndrome
Razi Berry, Founder and Publisher of Naturopathic Doctor News & Review (ndnr.com) and NaturalPath (thenatpath.com), has spent the last decade as a natural medicine advocate and marketing whiz. She has galvanized and supported the naturopathic community, bringing a higher quality of healthcare to millions of North Americans through her publications. A self-proclaimed health-food junkie and mother of two; she loves all things nature, is obsessed with organic gardening, growing fruit trees (not easy in Phoenix), laughing until she snorts, and homeschooling. She is a little bit crunchy and yes, that is her real name.