Abstract
Background: Menstrual cramps is the occurrence of labor-like pain in the lower abdomen, accompanied by symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and dizziness. A natural approach towards the treatment of painful menstruation is the need of the hour to be imparted in mind/body practices to be considered for long-term relief from the pain of menstrual cramp forever.
Objective: The current research is aimed at the review of the various aspects of plant alternates serving in different ways to relieve the cramps occurring in menstruation.
Materials and Methods: The herbal alternates as relievers were categorized on the basis of the respective role being played by them as nutritional supplements, analgesics, anti-inflammatory and as aromatherapy agents.
Results: There are various plant sources which are mild as well as effective relievers of menstrual cramps. This review highlights the various plants which have been proven to be useful in dealing with the various issues of painful menstruation. They deal with all the complications and issues, arising during this time.
Conclusion: These herbs are a potent source of active medicaments that strengthens the body to overcome the cramps and pain occurring in menstruation. The demand of the present hour is to rely on the beneficial effects of various herbs, which relieve these complications in the most soothing and efficacious manner.
Keywords: Dysmenorrhea, cramps, herbs, pain, reliever, menstruation.
Graphical Abstract
[1]
Durain D. Primary dysmenorrhea: Assessment and management update. J Midwifery Womens Health 2004; 49(6): 520-8.
[2]
Beckman CR. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 4th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins 2004; p. 234.
[3]
Drife J, Magowan B. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology. 4th ed. London: Edinburgh Sounder 2004; pp. 203-15.
[4]
Dawood MY. Primary dysmenorrhea: Advances in pathogenesis and management. Obstet Gynecol 2006; 108(2): 428-41.
[5]
Tangchai K, Titapant V, Boriboonhirunsarn D. Dysmenorrhea in Thai adolescents: Prevalence, impact and knowledge of treatment. J Med Assoc Thai 2004; 87(Suppl. 3): S69-73.
[6]
Polat A, Celik H, Gurates B, et al. Prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea in young adult female university students. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2009; 279(4): 527-32.
[7]
Ma YX, Ma LX, Liu XL, et al. A comparative study on the immediate effects of electroacupuncture at Sanyinjiao (SP6), Xuanzhong (GB39) and a non-meridian point, on menstrual pain and uterine arterial blood flow, in primary dysmenorrhea patients. Pain Med 2010; 11(10): 1564-75.
[8]
Dawood MY. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and changing attitudes toward dysmenorrhea. Am J Med 1988; 84(5A): 23-9.
[9]
Osayande AS, Mehulic S. Diagnosis and initial management of dysmenorrhea. Am Fam Physician 2014; 89(5): 341-6.
[11]
Zhang WY, Li Wan Po A. Efficacy of minor analgesics in primary dysmenorrhoea: A systematic review. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1998; 105(7): 780-9.
[12]
Zahradnik HP, Hanjalic-Beck A, Groth K. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and hormonal contraceptives for pain relief from dysmenorrhea: A review. Contraception 2010; 81(3): 185-96.
[13]
Pirotta M. Commentary on the cochrane review of Chinese herbal medicine for dysmenorrhea. Explore (NY) 2008; 4(6): 389-91.
[14]
Pan JC, Tsai YT, Lai JN, Fang RC, Yeh CH. The traditional chinese medicine prescription pattern of patients with primary dysmenorrhea in Taiwan: A large-scale cross-sectional survey. J Ethnopharmacol 2014; 152(2): 314-9.
[15]
Pattanittum P, Kunyanone N, Brown J, et al. Dietary supplements for dysmenorrhoea. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016; 3: CD002124.
[16]
Suzuki N, Uebaba K, Kohama T, Moniwa N, Kanayama N, Koike K. French maritime pine bark extract significantly lowers the requirement for analgesic medication in dysmenorrhea: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Reprod Med 2008; 53(5): 338-46.
[17]
Zhu X, Proctor M, Bensoussan A, Wu E, Smith CA. Chinese herbal medicine for primary dysmenorrhoea. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2008; 2: CD005288.
[18]
Zeraati F, Shobeiri F, Nazari M, Araghchian M, Bekhradi R. Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of herbal drugs (Fennelin and Vitagnus) and mefenamic acid in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res 2014; 19(6): 581-4.
[19]
5 Supplements That May Ease PMS Symptoms. Everday Health.
Available from: https://www.everydayhealth.com/pms/supple-ments-that-may-ease-pms-symptoms.aspx [Accessed on: June 20,
2018].
[20]
Ahsan H, Ahad A, Siddiqui WA. A review of characterization of tocotrienols from plant oils and foods. J Chem Biol 2015; 8(2): 45-59.
[21]
Shipton EE, Edward A. Vitamin D deficiency and pain: Clinical evidence of low levels of vitamin D and supplementation in chronic pain states. Pain Ther 2015; 4(1): 67-87.
[23]
Top Foods for Calcium and Vitamin D. WebMD Available from:. https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/guide/calcium-vitamin-d-foods [Accessed on: May 18, 2018].
[24]
Pellow J, Nienhuis C. Medicinal plants for primary dysmenorrhoea: A systematic review. Complement Ther Med 2018; 37: 13-26.
[25]
NDTV Foods. 10 Vitamin A Rich Foods: Say Yes to Bright Coloured
Veggies. Available from: https://food.ndtv.com/health/10-vitamin-a-rich-foods-say-yes-to-bright-coloured-veggies-1249592 [Accessed on: June 20, 2018].
[26]
Proctor ML, Murphy PA. Herbal and dietary therapies for primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2001; 3: CD002124.
[27]
Zafari M, Aghamohammady A. Comparing the effect of fish oil and ibuprofen on the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea comparison of the effect of fish oil and ibuprofen on treatment of dysmenorrhea. Caspian J Intern Med 2011; 2(3): 279-82.
[28]
Zafari M, Aghamohammady A, Tofighi M. Comparing the effect of vitamin B1 (vit. B1) and Ibuberofen on the treatment of primary dysmenorhea. Afr J Pharm Pharmacol 2011; 5(7): 874-8.
[29]
Watanabe F, Yabuta Y, Bito T, Teng F. Vitamin B12-containing plant food sources for vegetarians. Nutrients 2014; 6(5): 1861-73.
[30]
FAO/WHO. Expert Consultation on Human Vitamin and Mineral
Requirements, Vitamin and mineral requirements in human nutrition:
Report of joint FAO/WHO expert consolation; 2nd edition.
Bangkok: 2004. pp. 341.
[31]
Wood RJ, Ronnenberg A. Iron.Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 10th ed. Baltimore: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 2005; pp. 248-70.
[32]
Abbaspour N, Hurrell R, Kelishadi R. Review on iron and its importance for human health. J Res Med Sci 2014; 19(2): 164-74.
[33]
Santer M, Wyke S, Warner P. Women’s management of menstrual symptoms: Findings from a postal survey and qualitative interviews. J Soc Sci Med 2008; 66(2): 276-88.
[34]
Liu Y, Kakani R, Nair MG. Compounds in functional food fenugreek spice exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. J Food Chem 2012; 131(4): 1187-92.
[35]
Parvizpour A, Ahmadiani A, Javan M, Kamalinejad M. A study on the site of antinociceptive effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) leaves extract in phasic and tonic models of pain. J Physiol Pharmacol 1999; 3(2): 193-9.
[36]
Natarajan B, Dhananjayan R. Pharmacological effects of Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn. Seeds on various isolated perfused smooth muscle preparations. Pharmacogn Mag 2007; 3(10): 77-82.
[37]
Mazumdar K, Das S. Phytoremediation of Pb, Zn, Fe, and Mg with 25 wetland plant species from a paper mill contaminated site in North East India. J Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2015; 22: 701-10.
[38]
Mohamed AI, Hussein AS. Chemical composition of purslane (Portulaca oleracea). Plant Foods Hum Nutr 1994; 45(1): 1-9.
[39]
Ancuceanu R. A survey of plant iron content-A semi-systematic review. Nutrients 2015; 7(12): 10320-51.
[40]
Clifford T, Howatson G, West DJ, Stevenson EJ. The potential benefits of red beetroot supplementation in health and disease. J Nutrients 2015; 7(4): 2801-22.
[41]
Penland JG, Johnson PE. Dietary calcium and manganese effects on menstrual cycle symptoms. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1993; 168(5): 1417-23.
[42]
Diet and fitness.5 foods to help you deal with menstrual cramps. by
Keri Glassman, R.D. Jan 20, 2017. Available from https://www. today.com/health/5-foods-help-you-deal-menstrual-cramps-t107199 [Accessed on: May 20, 2018].
[43]
Foods That Help Ease Period Cramps When Nothing Else Seems
To Work. By CARINA WOLFF. Nov 23 2015. Available from: www.bustle.com/articles/124461-7-foods-that-help-ease-period-cramps-when-nothing-else-seems-to-work [Accessed on:
June 22, 2018].
[44]
Shamberger RJ. Calcium, magnesium, and other elements in the red blood cells and hair of normals and patients with premenstrual syndrome. Biol Trace Elem Res 2003; 94(2): 123-9.
[45]
Ghanbari Z, Haghollahi F, Shariat M, Foroshani AR, Ashrafi M. Effects of calcium supplement therapy in women with premenstrual syndrome. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2009; 48: 124-9.
[46]
Akhlaghi F, Hamedi A, Javadi Z, Hosseinipoor F. Effects of calcium supplementation on premenstrual syndrome. Razi J Med Sci 2004; 10: 669-75.
[47]
Kermani AZ, Taavoni S, Hosseini AF. Effect of combined calcium and vitamin E consumption on premenstrual syndrome. Iran J Nurs 2010; 23: 8-14.
[48]
Masoumi SZ, Ataollahi M, Oshvandi K. Effect of combined use of calcium and vitamin B6 on premenstrual syndrome symptoms: A randomized clinical trial. J Caring Sci 2016; 5: 67-73.
[49]
Menstrual Cramps Vitamins.livestrong.com. BY SARA
POLICE. OCT. 03, 2017. Available from https://www.livestrong. com/article/348435-how-to-run-with-menstrual-cramps/ [Accessed
on: May 22, 2018].
[50]
Khodakarami N, Moatar F, Ghahiri A, Shahdan S. The effect of an Iranian herbal drug on primary dysmenorrhea: A clinical controlled trial. J Midwifery Womens Health 2009; 54(5): 401-4.
[51]
Khodayari N, Moatar F. Efficacy of traditional medicine for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. Iran J Pharm Res 2004; 3: 37.
[52]
Herbal Remedies for Menstrual Cramps. Herbal resource https://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/menstrual-cramps-remedies.html
[53]
Mirabi P, Alamolhoda SH, Esmaeilzadeh S, Mojab F. Effect of medicinal herbs on primary dysmenorrhoea- a systematic review. Iran J Pharm Res 2014; 13(3): 757-67.
[55]
Braun L, Cohen M. Herbs and Natural Supplements: An Evidence-based Guide. Sydney: Elsevier 2005; p. 373.
[56]
Lefebvre G, Pinsonneault O, Antao V, et al. Primary dysmenorrhea consensus guideline. J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2005; 27(12): 1117-46.
[58]
Marjoribanks J, Ayeleke RO, Farquhar C, Proctor M. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for dysmenorrhoea. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015; 7: CD001751.
[59]
Proctor ML, Murphy PA, Pattison HM, Suckling J, Farquhar CM. Behavioural interventions for primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2007; 3: CD002248.
[60]
Wong CL, Farquhar C, Roberts H, Proctor M. Oral contraceptive pill for primary dysmenorrhoea. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2009; 4: CD002120.
[62]
Drife J, Magowan B. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology. 4th ed. London: Edinburgh Sounder 2004; pp. 203-15.
[63]
Rahnama P, Montazeri A, Huseini H, Kianbakht S, Naseri M. Effect of Zingiber officinale R. rhizomes (ginger) on pain relief in primary dysmenorrhea: a placebo randomized trial. BMC Complement Altern Med 2012; 12: 92.
[64]
Kikuzaki H, Nakatani N. Cyclic diaryl heptanoids from rhizomes of Zingiber officinale. Phytochemistry 1996; 43(1): 273-7.
[65]
Nazarpour S, Azimi H. Comparison of therapeutic effects of fennelin and mefenamic acid on primary dysmenorrhea. J Mazandaran Uni Med Sci 2007; 17(61): 54-61.
[66]
Yazdani M, Shahriari M, Hamedi B. Comparison of fennel and chamomile extract and placebo in treatment of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrheal. HMJ 2004; 8(1): 57-61.
[67]
Schulick P. Ginger, common spice and wonder drug 3. Brattleboro, VT: Herbal Free Press Ltd. 1996.
[68]
Energetic health.9 Natural Menstrual Cramp Remedies That Will
Totally Change Your Life…Period! OCTOBER 13, 2015 by
EMILY MONACO. Available from www.organicauthority.com/ health/natural-menstrual-cramps-remedies-period.html [Accessed
on: May 23, 2018].
[69]
Tavasoli F, Sharifian J, Mazlom R. Comparison of the effect of Mefenamic acid and Carumcarvi on the severity of primary dysmenorrhea in Mashhad high- school students (1999-2000). J Sabzevar Uni Med Sci 2002; 8(1): 4-9.
[70]
Barene I, Daberte I, Zvirgzdina L, Iriste V. The complex technology on products of German chamomile. Medicina (Kaunas) 2003; 39(Suppl. 2): 127-31.
[71]
Jahanian M, Rakhshandeh H, Teimuri M. The effect of chamomile extract on dysmenorrhea. Med J Mashad Uni Med Sci 1999; 42: 33.
[72]
Jenabi E, Ebrahimzadeh S. The effect of Matricaria chamomilla
tea on primary dysmenorrheal. J Med Plants 2009; 8: 39-42.
[73]
Modaress M, Mirmohhamad M, Oshireh Z, Mehran A. Comparison of the effect of mefenamic acid and Matricaria chamomilla capsules on primary dysmenorrhea. J Babol Uni Med Sci 2011; 13: 50-8.
[74]
Der Mardersian A, Beutler JA. The Review of Natural Products Facts and Comparisons. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 2001; p. 28.
[75]
Bos R, Woerdenbag HJ, De Smet PAGM, Scheffer JJC. Valeriana species.Adverse Effects of Herbal Drugs. Berlin: Springer-Verlag 1997; pp. 105-14.
[76]
Gilani AH, Khan AU, Jabeen Q, Subhan F, Ghafar R. Antispasmodic and blood pressure lowering effects of Valeriana wallichii are mediated through K+ channel activation. J Ethnopharmacol 2005; 100(3): 347-52.
[77]
7 Natural Remedies for PMS and Cramps. Available from: https://draxe.com/7-natural-remedies-pms-cramps/ [Accessed on:
May 23, 2018].
[78]
Kyle G. Evaluating the effectiveness of aromatherapy in reducing levels of anxiety in palliative care patients: Results of a pilot study. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2006; 12(2): 148-55.
[81]
Tisserand M. Aromatherapy for Women, A Practical Guide to Essential Oils for Health and Beauty. Rochester, Vt, USA: Healing Arts Press 1996.
[82]
Roshni P, Cleave AS, Suresh PK. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies for management of pain related to endometriosis. IRJP 2012; 3(3): 30-4.
[83]
Ludwig Boltzmann Institut. Health Teaching Assessment, Systematic
Review, Aromatherapy for Pain Relief and Psychological
Problems. Decision Support Document no. 16; 1998..
[84]
Jahdi F, Sheikhan F, Merghati E, Haghani H. Effect of lavender essential on preneal pain after episiotomy. J Sabzevar Univ Med Sci 2009; 16: 127-30.
[85]
Maddocks-Jenings W, Wilkinson JM. Aromatherapy practice in nursing literature review. J Adv Nurs 2004; 48: 93-103.
[86]
Serap E, Sevban A, Reva B, Ayda C. Effect of aromatherapy massage on dysmenorrheal in Turkish students. Pain Manag Nurs 2010; 13: 236-40.
[87]
Han SH, Hur MH, Buckle J, Choi J, Lee MS. Effect of aromatherapy on symptoms of dysmenorrhea in college students: A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Altern Complement Med 2006; 12(6): 535-41.
[88]
Bahrainy S, Nagi A, Manani R. Aromatherapy and its application. J Urmia Nurs Midwifery Fac 2011; 9: 1-8.
[89]
Baratta MT, Dorman HJD, Dean SG, Brondi DM, Ruberto G. Chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of laurel, sage, reosemary, oregano and coriander essential oils. J Essent Oil Res 1998; 37: 618-27.
[90]
Lis-Balchin M. Aromatherapy: a guide for healthcare professionals Pharmaceutical Press. London 2006.
[91]
Svoboda KP, Deans SG. A study of the variability of rosemary and sage and their volatile oils in British market: Their antioxidative properties. Flavour Fragrance J 1992; 7: 81-7.
[92]
Ou MC, Hsu TF, Lai AC, Lin YT, Lin CC. Pain relief assessment by aromatic essential oil massage on outpatients with primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2012; 38(5): 817-22.
[93]
Atarha M, Vakilian K, Ruzbehani N, Bekhradi R. Effect of preneal massage with lavender essential on episiotomy and preneal rapture. J Arak Univ Med Sci 2009; 1: 26-8.
[94]
Dennehy CE. The use of herbs and dietary supplements in gynecology, an evidence-based review. J Midwifery Womens Health 2006; 51: 402-9.
[95]
Jenabi E, Asle Toghiri M, Hejrati P. The comparison of the effects of antiplain of Valeriana officinalis risom
and mefenamic acid in relief of primary dismenorrhea. Iran J
Obstetrics Gynecol Infertil 2012; 15: 44-8.
[96]
Tassou CC, Drosinos EH, Nychas GJ. Effects of essential oil from mint (Mentha piperita) on Salmonella enteritidis and Listeria monocytogenes in model food system at 4 degrees and 10 degrees C. J Appl Bacteriol 1995; 78(6): 593-600.
[97]
Ravid U, Putievsky E, Katzir I. Enantiomeric distribution of piperitone in essential oils of some mentha spp., Calamintha incana (sm.) heldr. and Artemisia indaica L. Flavour Fragrance J 1994; 9: 85-7.
[98]
Shibata T, Morinoto T, Suzuki A. The effect of Shakuyukokenzo-to on prostaglandin in human uterine myometrium. Nipon Sanka Fujinka Zasshi 1996; 48: 321-7.
[100]
Chopin Lucks B. Vitex agnus castus essential oil and menopausal
balance: A research update [Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery 8 (2003) 148-154]. Complement Ther Nurs Midwifery
2003; 9(3): 157-60.
[101]
Irvani M. The effect of Zataria multiflora on primary dysmenorrhea.
J Med Plants 2009; 2: 54-60.
[102]
Rozbahani N, Jabari Z, Yazdi S. The comparison of Shirazi Thymus vulgaris and Mefenamic acid effects on primary dysmenorrhea. Arak Med Uni J 2006; 8: 1-6.
Article Metrics
72
6