Supplements

Seed cycling capsules with chasteberry reduce PMS symptom severity and frequency over two menstrual cycles

In a single-arm trial, 40 women using Two Moons Seed Cycling Capsules (ZEST and ZEN) showed significant improvements in Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) scores, Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) scores for cramping, and a 73.86% decrease in sick days due to menstrual issues by the end of Cycle 2. All nine PMS-related symptom parameters improved, including digestive upset, breast tenderness, and productivity interference. Participant satisfaction was high, with 71.79% reporting improved premenstrual/menstrual pain.

Last updated: Aug 26, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score34/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome in Women Receiving Seed Cycling Capsules With Chasteberry: A Single-Arm Clinical Trial Over Two Cycles.

observational

O'Gorman E, Kaunzner UW, Mitschke S · Cureus (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 2 menstrual cycles
Intervention: Two Moons Seed Cycling Capsules: ZEST (organic flaxseed and pumpkin seed) taken days 1-14, and ZEN (organic sesame seed, sunflower seed, psyllium, and chasteberry) taken days 15-28, over two menstrual cycles
Outcome: Changes in severity and frequency of PMS-related symptoms, including MSQ scores, NPRS scores for cramping, sick days, digestive upset, breast tenderness, productivity interference, and participant perception of pain, cramping, bloating, mood, sleep, and skin clarity
Effect Size: N/A (no effect size reported; 73.86% decrease in sick days)
Population: 40 women aged 21-46 years with PMS symptoms

Result:

PubMed: 42639569DOI: 10.7759/cureus.115036

Mechanism Graph

Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) may modulate prolactin and dopamine, influencing hormonal balance
↓
Flaxseed and pumpkin seed provide phytoestrogens and omega-3 fatty acids that may affect prostaglandin levels
↓
Sesame and sunflower seeds contain lignans and vitamin E, potentially reducing inflammation and oxidative stress
↓
Result: Reduced PMS symptom severity and frequency over two cycles

Limitations

  • ⚠Open-label, single-arm design without a control group, limiting causal inference
  • ⚠Small sample size (n=40) and lack of randomization may introduce bias
  • ⚠Virtual trial with self-reported outcomes, potentially subject to recall bias
  • ⚠Short duration (two cycles) may not capture long-term effects

Frequently Asked Questions

What is seed cycling?▼

Seed cycling involves consuming specific seeds during different phases of the menstrual cycle to support hormonal balance. In this study, ZEST (flaxseed and pumpkin seed) was taken during days 1-14, and ZEN (sesame, sunflower, psyllium, and chasteberry) during days 15-28.

How effective was the seed cycling product for PMS?▼

Participants showed significant improvements in PMS symptoms by the end of Cycle 2, including a 73.86% reduction in sick days and improvements in pain, cramping, bloating, mood, sleep, and skin clarity, with 71.79% reporting improved premenstrual/menstrual pain.

What are the main ingredients in the capsules?▼

ZEST contains organic flaxseed and pumpkin seed. ZEN contains organic sesame seed, sunflower seed, psyllium, and chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus).

Are these results reliable?▼

The study is a single-arm, open-label trial without a control group, so results are preliminary. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm efficacy.

Products

Affiliate links coming soon. We only recommend products that match the doses and forms used in the cited research.

References

  1. 1.O'Gorman E, Kaunzner UW, Mitschke S. "Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome in Women Receiving Seed Cycling Capsules With Chasteberry: A Single-Arm Clinical Trial Over Two Cycles.." Cureus, 2026. PMID: 42639569 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.115036
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.