Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5-phosphate)
For the health condition: Dysmenorrhea
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5-phosphate) is traditionally used for the management of dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), although scientific evidence supporting its efficacy is limited and not robust. The rationale for its use stems primarily from its role in neurotransmitter synthesis and potential effects on hormone regulation. Historically, some health practitioners and traditional medicine systems have recommended Vitamin B6 to alleviate premenstrual symptoms, including cramps and mood disturbances, based on the vitamin's involvement in serotonin and dopamine pathways, which may influence pain perception and mood. However, clinical trials specifically examining Vitamin B6 for dysmenorrhea are sparse. Most available research focuses on its use for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) rather than dysmenorrhea itself. Some small studies and anecdotal reports suggest mild benefit, but these are often not well-controlled or adequately powered to draw firm conclusions. Reviews of the literature, such as those by the Cochrane Collaboration, indicate insufficient high-quality evidence to recommend Vitamin B6 as a primary treatment for menstrual pain. Thus, while its use persists in some traditional and complementary medicine circles, mainstream clinical guidelines do not endorse Vitamin B6 for dysmenorrhea due to a lack of convincing scientific validation.
More about Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5-phosphate)
More about Dysmenorrhea
Other ingredients used for Dysmenorrhea
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)black cohosh
calcium
chamomile
chaste tree
dong quai root
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fennel
fish oil
ginger
magnesium
motherwort
omega-3 fatty acids
parsley
passionflower
peppermint oil
phytocannabinoids
vitamin B6
vitamin E
wild yam
gastrodia
anise
peony
dioscorea
trichosanthes
shepherd's purse
Avens
Ambergris
Angelica
Achyranthes
Anamu
Albizia
Alchemilla
Aletris
Anserina
Aerva lanata
Anemone
Actaea spicata
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Abuta
Arisaema
Blue Cohosh
Blepharis
Boswellia
Bethroot
Boerhavia diffusa
Cohosh
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Cyathula
Corydalis
Didymocarpus
Dong Quai
Erythropalum scandens
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Euphorbia
Pennyroyal
Poppy
Other health conditions supported by Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5-phosphate)
AlcoholismAnemia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Burning Feet or Hands
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Depression
Diabetes
Dysmenorrhea
Emotional Sensitivity
Epilepsy
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function