Abstract
M.Tech. (Homeopathy)
The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a
mother tincture preparation of Vitex agnus-castus and a
hornoeopathic 3x preparation of Vitex agnus-castus in the
treatment of premenstrual syndrome.
A sample of 15 subjects suffering from premenstrual syndrome was
selected. The subjects were selected according to the diagnostic
criteria of premenstrual syndrome and certain other criteria
requtred for the study. The subjects were given questionnaires to
complete regarding their medical history and menstrual details. All
subjects signed a consent form before participating in the study.
The subjects recorded their premenstrual symptoms on a PMS
chart over two months.
After the diagnosis of premenstrual syndrome was made. the
subjects were then randomly divided into three equally sized
groups by a neutral homoeopath. The first group received placebo
medication. the second received a homoeopathic 3x preparation of
Vitex agnus-castus and the third received a mother tincture
preparation of Vitex agnus-eastus. Each subject was given
Instructions on how and when to take her medication. At no stage
did either the researcher or the subjects know which medication
they were receiving.
The subjects took their medication for three months. during which
they continued to record their symptoms daily. After three
months. the PMS charts were again collected and the scores
compared to the pre-treatment scores. The Kruskal-Wallis test was
used to statistically analyse the results.
The homoeopathic 3x preparation of Vitex agnus-eastus was found
to bring about a statistically significant improvement in symptoms.
while the mother tincture preparation of Vitex agnus-castus was
not.
The common name of Vitex agnus-castus used in homoeopathy is
Agnus castus. For the sake of consistency. the name Vitex agnus
cestus. as used in the German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia.
shall be used throughout.