Insights & Discussion
Modified Tao-Hong Siwu Tang (MTST) appears more effective than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and a combination of Tao-Hong Siwu Tang with oral contraceptives (OCs) offers benefits over OCs alone for treating primary dysmenorrhea.
This systematic review aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of Tao-Hong Siwu Tang (TST) in treating primary dysmenorrhea. Conducted across various databases, the review identified five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis revealed suggestive evidence that modified TST (MTST) might have a favorable effect compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in managing primary dysmenorrhea (RR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.37–1.72), with one RCT indicating MTST's superiority in reducing recurrence rates (RR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.15–0.63, P = 0.001). Furthermore, combining TST with oral contraceptives (OCs) appeared beneficial compared to OCs alone (RR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.02–1.79, P = 0.04). However, moderate evidence quality due to bias uncertainties and limited RCTs highlighted the need for cautious interpretation. The study emphasized the demand for alternative treatments, given NSAID and OC limitations, while stressing the need for rigorous large-scale trials to clarify TST's role in primary dysmenorrhea management.
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The combination of dark chocolate with herbs could be one of the therapies for period pain.
2023 Journal of Tropical Pharmacy and Chemistry Effect of Combination of Dark Chocolate and Herbal Ingredients for Dysmenorrhea in Late Adolescents Azizah RNP, Anggreini P, Prasetya F
Randomised Controlled Trial Dark Chocolate Ginger Honey
This test was conducted on 30 respondents who were divided into three groups, namely the positive control group (K), dark chocolate (C), and a combination of dark chocolate with herbs (C+H). Dark chocolate was combined with herbal ingredients consisting of turmeric, red ginger, moringa, sambiloto extract, and honey as a beverage 250 mL.
The study is quantitative research with quasi-experimental method. Pain measurement using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) sheet was given before and 2 hours after treatment. The data was analyzed using paired t-test. State the results of the values obtained the combination of dark chocolate and herbs showed a significant reduction in pain before and after treatment (p<0.05).
Dark chocolate, with its high cocoa content, may possess pain-relieving properties comparable to Ibuprofen.
2023 International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial: Comparative Efficacy of Dark Chocolate, Coconut Water, and Ibuprofen in Managing Primary Dysmenorrhea Nuha K, Rusmil K, Ganiem AR, Permadi W, Diah Herawati DM
Randomised Controlled Trial Coconut Water Ibuprofen Period Pain
In this research, a randomized controlled trial with a quantitative design was conducted, involving 45 participants randomly assigned to receive 330 mL of green coconut water, 35 g of 70% dark chocolate, or 400 mg Ibuprofen.
After the intervention, there was a noticeable change in the reported pain intensities. Among the women, 48.9% reported experiencing mild pain, indicating a reduction in pain intensity. Furthermore, 17.8% of the women still reported moderate pain, suggesting some improvement but not a complete alleviation of pain. It is noteworthy that none of the women reported severe pain after the intervention. Additionally, 33.3% of the women reported being pain-free, indicating a significant decrease in pain intensity.
These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the interventions in reducing pain intensity among women. The results suggest that the treatments, including Ibuprofen, coconut water, and dark chocolate, were successful in providing pain relief, with the majority of women experiencing either mild pain or no pain after the intervention.
Green tea helps alleviate symptoms in multiple benign gynecological disorders, primarily due to a compound called Epigallocatechin-3-gallate.
2023 Nutrients Green Tea and Benign Gynecologic Disorders: A New Trick for An Old Beverage? Hazimeh D, Massoud G, Parish M, Singh B, Segars J, Islam MS
Review Article EGCG Green Tea Period Pain
The paper reviews the role of the compound Epigallocatechin-3-gallate found in green tea, and its effects on various benign gynecological conditions. The compound is noted for its antioxidant and prooxidant qualities, allowing it to interact with multiple cellular pathways that are crucial for disease pathogenesis. The studied conditions include uterine fibroids, endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, adenomyosis, menopause, and polycystic ovary syndrome. The research accounts for the specific mechanisms through which the compound might affect each condition, such as anti-fibrotic, anti-angiogenic, and pro-apoptotic mechanisms.
The results suggest that green tea consumption can lead to improved symptom management in these disorders. It was found to lessen the intensity of symptoms associated with uterine fibroids and endometriosis, by invoking anti-fibrotic, anti-angiogenic, and pro-apoptotic mechanisms. It also helped manage pain linked with dysmenorrhea and adenomyosis through reducing uterine contractility and widely felt pain. Additionally, it showed efficacy in weight and osteoporosis control during menopause, and showed potential benefits in managing polycystic ovary syndrome. However, claims regarding its influence on fertility were deemed controversial.
Dark chocolate decreases the severity of menstrual pain in female hospital employees.
2023 Bioscientia Medicina : Journal of Biomedicine and Translational Research The Effect of Giving Dark Chocolate on Reducing Menstrual Pain in Primary Dysmenorrhoea in Employees of Cabangbungin General Hospital, Bekasi Regency in 2023 Sa’idah SN, Maulida Lathifah , Evita Anindya Bestari
Randomised Controlled Trial Dark Chocolate Period Pain
The researcher undertook an experimental study with 32 female employees of the Cabangbungin General Hospital, Bekasi Regency, as participants. After being selected, these subjects were systematically analyzed in both singular and joint approaches using SPSS version 25.
The results supported the study's initial hypothesis that dark chocolate can alleviate menstrual pain. The statistical test results used confirm a significant effect of dark chocolate on dysmenorrhea, demonstrating a fundamental link between the consumption of dark chocolate and the easing of menstrual pain in subjects.
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan significantly reduced menstrual pain in primary dysmenorrhea patients with heat-burning blood-stasis syndrome, without notable adverse effects.
2023 Journal of Ethnopharmacology Effect of Guizhi Fuling Wan in primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized controlled trial Luo Y, Mao P, Chen P, Li C, Fu X, Zhuang M
Randomised Controlled Trial Period Pain
In the methodology, a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Eligible patients suffering from primary dysmenorrhea with heat-burning blood-stasis syndrome were randomly placed into two groups – one received Guizhi Fuling Wan, the other a placebo, administered twice daily across three menstrual cycles, with a 3-month follow-up. The primary measurement was the change in pain intensity from the beginning to the 6th month, gauged by using a Visual Analog Scale.
In the discussion of results, data showed that the pain intensity (measured using Visual Analog Scale) significantly decreased in the Guizhi Fuling Wan group compared to the placebo over the 6 month period. Secondary measurements also indicated a greater reduction in Cox Menstrual Symptom Scale, Self-rating Anxiety Scale, and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores in the Guizhi Fuling Wan group compared to the placebo. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups when measuring the Self-rating Depression Scale. Furthermore, no serious adverse events were observed during the trial.
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