Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomised controlled trials, case reports, case series, surveys and postmarketing surveillance studies were included in the review.
Specific interventions included in the review
Studies assessing monopreparations of VAC were eligible for inclusion. Studies of VAC used in combination with other herbs or homeopathic preparations of VAC were excluded. Where reported, the comparators included pyridoxine, fluoxetine, vitamin B, placebo and no treatment.
Participants included in the review
All but two of the studies included in the review involved women. Women with premenstrual syndrome, luteal phase defects as a result of hyperprolactinaemia, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, corpus luteum insufficiency, bleeding abnormalities, and breast-feeding or lactating women were included in the review, as were men and women with acne, and healthy men.
Outcomes assessed in the review
Studies reporting any adverse event were eligible.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
One reviewer assessed the identified articles for eligibility; the decisions were independently checked by at least one other reviewer.