Banu Taseen, Sultana Arshiya, Begum Arfa, Rahman Khaleequr
Department of Ilmul Qabalat Wa Amraze Niswan (Gynecology and Obstetrics), Gynecology and Obstetrics, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Ministry of Ayush, GOI, Bengaluru, India.
Department of Ilmul Qabalat Wa Amraze Niswan (Gynecology and Obstetrics), National Institute of Unani Medicine, Ministry of Ayush, GOI, Bengaluru, India.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2025 Feb 27;342:119388. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2025.119388. Epub 2025 Jan 20.
Incorporating ancient wisdom from Unani Medicine, this study delves into the therapeutic efficacy of Juniperus communis L. in primary dysmenorrhea. By seamlessly merging traditional knowledge with modern scientific evaluation, this research illuminates Juniperus communis L. (Juniper) potential. This study stands as a testament to the value of exploring ethnopharmacological insights and bridging the gap between ancient healing traditions and evidence-based medicine.
To assess the efficacy and safety of Juniper berry compared to mefenamic acid in menstrual cramps and its associated symptoms, and overall quality of life in women with PD. Additionally, the study aimed to explore the impact of these interventions on uterine blood flow using Doppler evaluation.
This was a double-blind, standard-controlled study conducted on 62 participants aged 18-35 years. They were randomly assigned to receive either two capsules (750 mg) of Juniper berry or 250 mg mefenamic acid thrice daily from day 1 to day 3 of menstruation, spanning two menstrual cycles. Primary outcomes were measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain intensity and the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for systemic symptoms. Pelvic Doppler flow indices and responses to the SF-12 questionnaire were analyzed as secondary outcomes.
After the intervention in cycle 2, both the juniper and standard groups exhibited a significant reduction in mean VAS scores from 8.1 ± 1.3 to 2.87 ± 1.17 and 8.1 ± 1.13 to 3.61 ± 1.14, respectively (p = 0.012). Intergroup comparisons revealed no statistically significant differences in systemic symptoms at baseline, and cycle 2 (C2) follow-up (p > 0.05). Similarly, there were no significant differences in the SF-12 questionnaire scores at baseline, C2, and C4 (p > 0.05). However, intragroup comparisons for VAS, NRS, and SF-12 in both groups showed significant differences at C2 and C4 compared to the baseline (p < 0.001). In the juniper group, intergroup and intragroup comparisons indicated a small effect size for the right uterine artery (Rt UtA) RI and SD at C3 compared to C1 (0.2 and 0.33). Left UtA-PI and RI also demonstrated a medium effect size (0.482 and 0.501), respectively, between C3 and C1.
Juniper demonstrated significant efficacy and safety in reducing menstrual cramps, and its associated symptoms and improving health-related quality of life. Further, changes in pelvic uterine artery flow indices were also observed.
本研究融合了尤纳尼医学的古老智慧，深入探究刺柏在原发性痛经中的治疗效果。通过将传统知识与现代科学评估无缝结合，本研究揭示了刺柏的潜在价值。这项研究证明了探索民族药理学见解以及弥合古代治疗传统与循证医学之间差距的价值。
评估刺柏浆果与甲芬那酸相比，在缓解月经绞痛及其相关症状方面的疗效和安全性，以及对原发性痛经女性整体生活质量的影响。此外，该研究旨在通过多普勒评估探索这些干预措施对子宫血流的影响。
这是一项针对62名年龄在18至35岁之间参与者的双盲、标准对照研究。他们被随机分配，在月经第1天至第3天，为期两个月经周期，每天三次服用两粒刺柏浆果胶囊（750毫克）或250毫克甲芬那酸。主要结局指标采用视觉模拟评分法（VAS）评估疼痛强度，数字评分量表（NRS）评估全身症状。盆腔多普勒血流指数和对SF - 12问卷的回答作为次要结局指标进行分析。
在第2周期干预后，刺柏组和标准组的平均VAS评分均显著降低，分别从8.1±1.3降至2.87±1.17以及从8.1±1.13降至3.61±1.14（p = 0.012）。组间比较显示，基线时和第2周期（C2）随访时全身症状无统计学显著差异（p>0.05）。同样，基线、C2和C4时SF - 12问卷得分也无显著差异（p>0.05）。然而，两组中VAS、NRS和SF - 12的组内比较显示，与基线相比，C2和C4时有显著差异（p<0.001）。在刺柏组中，组间和组内比较表明，与C1相比，C3时右子宫动脉（Rt UtA）的阻力指数（RI）和收缩期与舒张期流速比值（SD）的效应量较小（分别为0.2和0.33）。左子宫动脉搏动指数（PI）和阻力指数（RI）在C3和C1之间也分别显示出中等效应量（分别为0.482和0.501）。
刺柏在减轻月经绞痛及其相关症状以及改善健康相关生活质量方面显示出显著的疗效和安全性。此外，还观察到盆腔子宫动脉血流指数的变化。
