Insights & Discussion
Administration of honey saffron syrup reduces the length of all stages of labor in nulliparous women.
The study divided eligible nulliparous women randomly into three equal groups. The first group was given saffron syrup prepared with honey, the second group received saffron syrup made with sugar, and the control group received a placebo. These were given orally every two hours. Analysis was conducted via Fisher’s test, ANOVA with Fisher’s post hoc test, and a Repeated measure statistical method.
In the results, it was evident that the mean duration of labor in the groups administered with the saffron syrups was significantly shorter than in the control group. Moreover, the length of the first stage of labor in the honey saffron syrup group was considerably less than in the sugar saffron syrup group. This indicates the effectiveness of honey saffron in shortening labor duration.
Discover Related Insights
Saffron shows promising improvements in dealing with women's health issues related to labor, childbirth, premenstrual syndrome and menopause.
2023 Modern Care Journal Efficacy of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in Premenstrual Syndrome, Labor, Childbirth, and Menopause: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials Irani M, Rahmanian A, Soltani N
Systematic Review Labour Menopause Premenstrual Syndrome
For the methodology, the investigators implemented a systematic review by utilizing the PICO process to explore various databases like PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, among others, until February 2023. A strategically designed search was conducted using a set of keywords related to saffron and women's health conditions. From a pool of 164 articles, 20 randomized controlled trials that met the minimum score based on the Jadad scale were included in the study.
In terms of results, the investigation revealed that saffron holds positive impacts on labor and childbirth, such as enhancing Bishop's score, fostering labor progression, and reducing labor pain intensity and fatigue. Moreover, it helps with episiotomy healing and ameliorates mood swings and psychological symptoms associated with menopause and premenstrual syndrome. The study also acknowledges some influence of saffron on postpartum depression.
Among the mentioned plants, castor oil and date fruit have more evidence in cervical ripening and onset of labor.
2022 Journal of Isfahan Medical School The Effect of Outpatient Herbal Drugs on Cervical Ripening and Onset of Labor: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Ghasemi M, Ebrahimzadeh-Zagami S, Ghavami V.
Systematic Review Castor Oil Date Fruit Labour
16 articles that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Meta-analysis was only possible on castor oil and date fruit. The chance of spontaneous onset of labor in was 5.760 and 2.205 times the castor oil and date groups, respectively. Moreover, the increase in bishop score in castor oil group was 2 times higher than the control group. The results of funnel plot and Egger test found no evidence of publication bias (P = 0.710).
Peganum, Sisymbrium, chamomile, and saffron were effective in cervical ripening and onset of labor. Evening primrose was effective on Bishop score, but had no effect on spontaneous onset of labor. Red raspberry leaves were not effective in spontaneous onset of labor.
Edible medicinal plants like saffron, chamomile, dill seeds, and castor oil have demonstrated positive effects on various aspects of labor, indicating potential natural alternatives for aiding childbirth.
2022 Current Drug Discovery Technologies Edible Medicinal Plants on Facilitating Childbirth: A Systematic Review Ivari FR, Vatanchi AM, Yousefi M, Badaksh F, Salari R
Systematic Review Castor Oil Dill Seed Labour Induction
This systematic review explores the potential of oral herbs in aiding childbirth, given the rising interest in natural treatments despite advancements in medical interventions. More than 20% of pregnancies require labor induction, often associated with adverse effects and increased cesarean risk. The study investigates edible plants' impact on cervical readiness, labor onset, pain reduction, and labor duration. Among 20 clinical trials, saffron, chamomile, boiled dill seeds, date, date syrup, Descurainia Sophia, and castor oil have demonstrated positive effects on various labor aspects. Nonetheless, larger-scale studies are needed for a comprehensive understanding of these herbs' mechanisms and effectiveness in facilitating labor.