Pimpinella, particularly Pimpinella anisum (anise), has a long history of traditional use in various cultures for women's health issues, including symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) such as menstrual cramps, bloating, and mood swings. Traditional Persian and some European herbal medicine texts mention anise seeds as an ingredient in remedies for regulating menstruation and alleviating menstrual discomfort. The rationale is likely due to anise’s mild estrogenic activity, attributed to its phytoestrogen content, and its antispasmodic effects, which are thought to relax uterine muscles.

However, scientific evidence directly supporting the use of Pimpinella for PMS is scarce. Most clinical studies focus on its effects for dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) or menopausal symptoms, not PMS as a whole. The few available studies are often small, of low quality, or use anise in combination with other herbs, making it difficult to isolate its specific effects. As a result, while traditional use is well-documented, robust clinical validation is lacking, and the overall evidence for its effectiveness in treating PMS remains weak.

In summary, Pimpinella’s use for PMS is based more on traditional practice than on strong scientific validation.