Developed based on a thorough review of the scientific evidence, NutraOrigin's Menstraese formula includes only ingredients with documented efficacy and safety, and contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. The ingredients described below will give you a better understanding of how this product works to alleviate the physical and emotional symptoms of PMS.*

Black Cohosh Extract
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is an herb native to the eastern United States that was valued by Native American tribes for addressing female complaints.* The German Commission E, a government regulatory agency that evaluates the safety and efficacy of herbs, has approved the use of black cohosh root for premenstrual discomfort and painful menstruation.* (1)

The plant is used commonly for reducing symptoms of PMS, such as mood swings, breast tenderness, weight gain and menstrual pain.* A randomized, controlled human clinical trial conducted on a product containing soy isoflavones, dong quai and black cohosh cut the occurrence of menstruation-related migraine headaches in half.* (2)

Dong Quai Root Extract
Dong quai is one of the most revered herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, commonly used to treat problems associated with the menstrual cycle such as painful menstruation.* (3) It is sometimes called "female ginseng," referring to its overall tonifying effect on the female system.*

Alternative health care practitioners frequently use dong quai (Angelica sinensis) to treat PMS.* (4). Certain constituents in the plant have been identified that have the capacity to alleviate occasional pain, and clinical trial evidence supports the use of dong quai for painful menstruation.* (5,6)

Soy Isoflavones, Red Clover Extract and Kudzu Extract
Soybeans, red clover and kudzu all contain active constituents called isoflavones. Isoflavones are phytoestrogenic, meaning they closely resemble human estrogen in structure. When isoflavones attach to estrogen receptors, they block them from being stimulated by estrogen molecules, decreasing the hormone's effect on the body.* (Excess estrogen levels may be a contributing factor behind the development of PMS.)

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, isolated soy protein containing the isoflavones genistein and daidzein significantly reduced premenstrual symptoms such as headaches, breast tenderness, cramps and swelling.* (7) In another study, soy isoflavones in combination with dong quai and black cohosh produced a reduction in the occurrence of menstrual headaches by as much as 50 percent.* (2)

Licorice Root and Rhizome Extract
Licorice is the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, native to southern Europe and parts of Asia. It has played an important role in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. Like soy, red clover and kudzu, licorice is phytoestrogenic, so it may block the effects of estrogen.* (8)

According to Michael Murray ND, author of The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, licorice is useful in treating PMS, which has been attributed to an increase in the estrogen-to-progesterone ratio.* The herb is thought to improve that ratio by decreasing estrogen levels while increasing amounts of progesterone.* (9)

Blue Cohosh Root
Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) is a perennial flowering plant that grows in the United States and was used by early settlers for a variety of gynecological problems.*

Blue cohosh has traditionally been used to bring about menstruation, decrease the pain of menstrual cramps and lessen painful menstruation.* (10)

Vitex Agnus-Castus Extract
Vitex agnus-castus, also known as vitex or chasteberry, is native to the Mediterranean region. The name chasteberry came from the ancient belief that eating the plant reduced sexual desire; however, that idea has since been discredited. What vitex is good for is relief of PMS symptoms.*

Vitex has been clinically proven to reduce cyclic breast tenderness, with two double-blind, placebo-controlled human studies showing significant reductions in breast pain.* (11,12) However, it also provides relief of general PMS symptoms.* A double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that women who took vitex for three menstrual cycles experienced significant improvements in PMS symptoms, such as irritability, depression, headache and breast tenderness.* (13) Another large, multi-center study found that 93 percent of patients rated vitex tincture as very good, good or satisfactory at relieving symptoms of PMS, while 33 percent experienced complete relief.* (14)

Dandelion Extract
Much more than a simple weed, dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a food and medicine that has been used by cultures across the world to treat a variety of health issues. The leaf contains a high content of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B complex, C and D, and the minerals iron, potassium and zinc.

Because dandelion is a diuretic (water-eliminating) herb, it may reduce bloating - a common symptom of PMS.* (15) Unlike other diuretics, though, it does not reduce valuable potassium stores in the body.* (16)

Ginger Root
Ginger is the rhizome of the perennial plant Zingiber officinale in the family Zingiberaceae. It is one of the only herbs that is included in three of the major schools of traditional herbalism: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda and traditional European herbalism.

Among its many uses, ginger is believed to help with painful menstrual periods.* (17) Animal research has documented that ginger has pain-relieving properties.* (18)

Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Ginkgo biloba is a unique species of tree with no close relatives. While gingko leaf extract is most well-known for its support of brain function, it also has specific benefits for women.

A multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that ginkgo leaf extract had benefits for women with PMS symptoms.* In the trial, which lasted two menstrual cycles, ginkgo reduced significantly the major symptoms of PMS, particularly breast pain and emotional disturbance, for women 18 to 45.* (19)

Valerian
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a hardy perennial flowering plant native to Europe and parts of Asia. It has been used to alleviate occasional stress and sleeplessness since the 2nd century AD. In 1985, the German Commission E approved valerian for restlessness and trouble sleeping due to nervousness.* (20)

One of the emotional symptoms of PMS can be increased feelings of stress. Several studies have confirmed that valerian is helpful for reducing occasional anxiety.* (21,22)

Wild Yam Root Extract
Native to North America, wild yam is a tuberous vine that has been used to alleviate menstrual complaints, including cramps, since the 18th century.* (23)

Interestingly, the plant contains diosgenin, a phyto-estrogen that has been successfully converted in a laboratory setting to the hormone progesterone. Since PMS has been attributed to an increase in the estrogen-to-progesterone ratio, it is theorized that wild yam could balance levels of these hormones and therefore reduce PMS symptomology.*

Bupleurum Root Extract
Bupleurum (chai hu) is a Chinese herb traditionally used to benefit liver function.* According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, PMS is primarily due to "liver stagnation," which is said to lead to irritability, breast distension and headaches.* (24)

Bupleurum is recommended for PMS due to its reported capability to relieve spasms, muscle tension and bleeding caused by menstrual irregularity.* The herb's unique components (saikosaponins) appear to account for its medicinal activity. An essential oil enables bupleurum to ease the discomfort of surface body heat.* (25)

Poria Cocos
Poria cocos (pinyin or fuling) is another popular Chinese medicinal herb. It is said to "invigorate the spleen," which, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is responsible for the production of blood.* (26)

Poria has been used traditionally to alleviate water retention and promote mental and muscular relaxation, helping alleviate PMS symptoms.* (27)

Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral that may be present in insufficient levels in women who experience PMS.

In one study, PMS sufferers were given a multivitamin and mineral supplement containing high doses of magnesium and vitamin B6. The results showed a high-percentage of improvement in PMS symptoms.* In another study, supplementation with magnesium alone was shown to be an effective treatment for symptoms of PMS.* (28)

Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is an essential vitamin that plays a role in energy production, nervous system health and the metabolism of fats and protein.*

A survey summarizing the retrospective reports of 630 PMS sufferers treated with vitamin B6 supplements found the vitamin helpful in alleviating PMS symptoms.* Forty percent of patients taking 40 to 100 mg daily and 60 percent of patients taking 100 to 150 mg daily had a good response to treatment.* (29) Additionally, a meta-analysis (a study that analyzes the results of other studies) of nine published, placebo-controlled human clinical trials concluded that vitamin B6 was significantly better than placebo in relieving overall premenstrual symptoms and also had a positive effect on mood.* (30)

Several neurotransmitters - including serotonin (which regulates mood and appetite) and GABA (which induces calm) - depend on vitamin B-6 for their formation.* Therefore, it is speculated that B6 supplementation may lead to a reduction of unpleasant mood swings, food cravings and occasional anxiety.* (31)

Fennel Seed Extract
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is well-known as a seasoning, but it has also been a treasured women's herb for thousands of years. One of fennel's traditional uses is to normalize the menstrual cycle.*

Like soy, red clover and kudzu, fennel has phytoestrogenic properties; however unlike these plants, it does not contain isoflavones.* Constituents known as dianethole and photoanethole have been identified as the pharmacologically active agents. (32) These phytoestrogens may block estrogen receptors from being stimulated by estrogen molecules, decreasing the hormone's effect on the body.*

Taurine and Choline
Taurine is an amino acid and choline is a B-vitamin-like compound.

Both taurine and choline (as choline bitartrate) play an important role in the function and well-being of the nervous system as it responds to stress.* The major neurotransmitter acetylcholine requires choline for its synthesis, supporting mental focus.*

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