Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Viburnum species, particularly Viburnum opulus (commonly known as cramp bark) and Viburnum prunifolium (black haw), have a long history of traditional use for the management of dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps). Native American and European herbal medicine traditions employed extracts from the bark of these plants to relieve uterine muscle spasms and menstrual pain. The rationale is based on the presence of compounds such as valerenic acid, coumarins, and salicin, which are believed to exert antispasmodic and mild analgesic effects on smooth muscle tissue, including the uterus.

Despite this traditional use, scientific validation is limited. A small number of animal studies and in vitro research suggest possible mechanisms for antispasmodic and muscle relaxant effects, but robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. Most available evidence is anecdotal or based on case series rather than controlled studies. As a result, while Viburnum species are still included in various herbal products for menstrual discomfort, their efficacy for dysmenorrhea has not been conclusively established by modern scientific standards. Therefore, the use of Viburnum for dysmenorrhea is justified primarily by traditional knowledge, with a moderate level of supporting evidence based largely on historical and ethnobotanical records rather than rigorous clinical research.

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