1
Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2
Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Traditional Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Traditional Medicine and Materia Medica Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Scien
3
Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Paramedical, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is a prevalent disorder and its unfavorable effects deteriorates the quality of life in many people across the world. Based on some evidence on the characteristics of fenugreek as a medical plant with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, this double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial was conducted. The main purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of fenugreek seeds on the severity of primary dysmenorrhea among students. Methods: Unmarried Students were randomly assigned to two groups who received fenugreek (n=51) or placebo (n=50). For the first 3 days of menstruation, 23 capsules containing fenugreek seed powder (900 mg) were given to the subjects three times daily for two consecutive menstrual cycles. Pain severity was evaluated using a visual analog scale and systemic symptoms were assessed using a multidimensional verbal scale. Results: Pain severity at baseline did not differ significantly between the two groups. Pain severity was significantly reduced in both groups after the intervention; however, the fenugreek group experienced significantly larger pain reduction (p < 0.001). With respect to the duration of pain, there was no meaningful difference between the two cycles in the placebo group (p=0.07) but in the fenugreek group, the duration of pain decreased between the two cycles (p < 0.001). Systemic symptoms of dysmenorrhea (fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, lack of energy, syncope) decreased in the fenugreek seed group (p < 0.05). No side effects were reported in the fenugreek group. Conclusion: These data suggest that prescription of fenugreek seed powder during menstruation can reduce the severity of dysmenorrhea.
Younesy,S , Amiraliakbari,S , Esmaeili,S , Alavimajd,H and Nouraei,S . (2014). Effects of Fenugreek Seed on the Severity and Systemic Symptoms of Dysmenorrhea. Journal of Reproduction & Infertility, 15(1), 41-48.
MLA
Younesy,S , , Amiraliakbari,S , , Esmaeili,S , , Alavimajd,H , and Nouraei,S . "Effects of Fenugreek Seed on the Severity and Systemic Symptoms of Dysmenorrhea", Journal of Reproduction & Infertility, 15, 1, 2014, 41-48.
HARVARD
Younesy S, Amiraliakbari S, Esmaeili S, Alavimajd H, Nouraei S. (2014). 'Effects of Fenugreek Seed on the Severity and Systemic Symptoms of Dysmenorrhea', Journal of Reproduction & Infertility, 15(1), pp. 41-48.
CHICAGO
S Younesy, S Amiraliakbari, S Esmaeili, H Alavimajd and S Nouraei, "Effects of Fenugreek Seed on the Severity and Systemic Symptoms of Dysmenorrhea," Journal of Reproduction & Infertility, 15 1 (2014): 41-48,
VANCOUVER
Younesy S, Amiraliakbari S, Esmaeili S, Alavimajd H, Nouraei S. Effects of Fenugreek Seed on the Severity and Systemic Symptoms of Dysmenorrhea. JRI. 2014;15(1):41-48.