Comparison of the effects of Matricaria chamomila (Chamomile) extract and mefenamic acid on the intensity of premenstrual syndrome

The study aimed to compare the effects of Chamomile Extract and Mefenamic acid (MA) on the intensity of Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.This study was a clinical randomized double blind trial, carried out with 90 students living in the dorms of Iran. The participants filled the daily forms about the intensity of PMS for two consecutive months. Once the definitive diagnosis of PMS was made, the participants were divided into two groups, each receiving either Chamomile capsule 100 mg or MA 250 mg three times a day. Intensity reduction of emotional symptoms was significantly higher among Chamomile Extract-users (30.1 ± 26.6 and 33.4 ± 25.3 percent) than that among MA-users (11.6 ± 25.7 and 10.7 ± 26.8 percent) after two cycles intervention (p < 0.001). Intensity reduction of physical symptoms was not significantly different (p > 0.05) among groups. Consumption of Chamomile seems to be more effective than MA in relieving the intensity of PMS associated symptomatic psychological pains.