Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Phthalides are a group of phytochemicals found primarily in celery (Apium graveolens) and certain other plants, including Ligusticum chuanxiong (Szechuan lovage), which is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The use of phthalide-containing herbs to support or treat premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is rooted in traditional practices, especially within TCM, where Chuanxiong is combined with other botanicals in formulas purported to "invigorate blood" and alleviate menstrual discomfort. However, there is a lack of robust, high-quality scientific studies directly evaluating isolated phthalides or phthalide-rich extracts for PMS in humans. Some preclinical research suggests that phthalides may have vasodilatory, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties, which could theoretically contribute to alleviating some PMS symptoms, such as cramps and mood changes. Nonetheless, the clinical evidence is sparse, and most of the available support is anecdotal or based on traditional use rather than modern clinical trials. Therefore, while phthalide-containing herbs have a historical basis for use in managing menstrual symptoms, the scientific validation for their use in PMS remains limited.

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