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Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Evidence-Based Supplement Research

Clinical trial for the management dysmenorrhea using selected spices.

  • 2019-08
  • Complementary therapies in clinical practice 36
    • Shabnam Omidvar
    • Fatemeh Nasiri-Amiri
    • Afsaneh Bakhtiari
    • Khyrunnisa Begum

Study Design

Type
Clinical Trial
Population
thirty-one dysmenorrheic subjects
Methods
comparative clinical trial; randomly assigned to three groups; 1gr/day Ginger, 3gr/day Dill seeds, 3gr/day Cumin; consumed for three days during each cycle for three consecutive cycles
Duration
three days during each cycle for three consecutive cycles

Background

Dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecologic complaint among adolescent and adult females. Some dysmenorrheic females do not respond to treatment with NSAIDs or oral contraceptives and exhibit contraindications to such medications. Therefore, alternative medication gained importance in management of dysmenorrhea.

Methods

A comparative clinical trial was conducted on thirty-one dysmenorrheic subjects, who were randomly assigned to three groups. The dosage was 1gr/day, 3gr/day and 3gr/day for Ginger, Dill seeds, and Cumin, respectively. The girls in respective group consumed the spice for three days during each cycle for three consecutive cycles.

Results

Dill seed was effective in reducing pain, followed by ginger wherein Cumin did not exhibit any effect. Cumin exhibited significant reduction in systemic responses like cold sweats, backache, fatigue and cramps.

Conclusion

Dill seeds were more effective in reducing pain. It was obvious from our study that reducing symptoms is also important in the overall management of dysmenorrhea.

Research Insights

  • Cumin exhibited significant reduction in systemic responses like cold sweats, backache, fatigue and cramps

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
    Dose
    3 g/day
  • Cumin did not exhibit any effect

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    3 g/day
  • Cumin did not exhibit any effect

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    3 g/day
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