Effectiveness of Phytochemicals in Treating Premenstrual Syndrome

Abstract

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is an etiologically undefined medical disorder that takes place within the menstrual cycle luteal phase and ceases a few days following the beginning of menstruation. PMS is characterized by psychological and somatic manifestations of clinical significance that lead to severe distress and hinder the capability to function. PMS can be successfully treated by combining pharmaceuticals with nonmedical treatments (exercises, behavioral and cognitive therapies, massage and light therapies, and nutritional and dietary modifications). The current medical remedies for PMS include hormone therapy and selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors that have limited efficacy and are accompanied by untoward effects. Therefore, the usage of herbal remedies and nutritional supplements could be safe alternative approaches for treating PMS pains. The purpose of this chapter is to summarize the reported studies on the effectiveness of phytochemicals in treating PMS psycho-behavioral and somatic symptoms. Moreover, computational investigations elucidate the potential mechanisms that underlie the effects of specific natural compounds in PMS.