Morinda citrifolia(Noni) as an Anti-Inflammatory Treatment in Women with Primary Dysmenorrhoea: A Randomised Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Introduction. Noni (Morinda citrifolia) has been used for many years as an anti-inflammatory agent. We tested the efficacy of Noni in women with dysmenorrhea. Method. We did a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial in 100 university students of 18 years and older over three menstrual cycles. Patients were invited to participate and randomly assigned to receive 400 mg Noni capsules or placebo. They were assessed for baseline demographic variables such as age, parity, and BMI. They were also assessed before and after treatment, for pain, menstrual blood loss, and laboratory variables: ESR, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume. Results. Of the 1027 women screened, 100 eligible women were randomized. Of the women completing the study, 42 women were randomized to Noni and 38 to placebo. There were no significant differences in any of the variables at randomization. There were also no significant differences in mean bleeding score or pain score at randomization. Both bleeding and pain scores gradually improved in both groups as the women were observed over three menstrual cycles; however, the improvement was not significantly different in the Noni group when compared to the controls. Conclusion. Noni did not show a reduction in menstrual pain or bleeding when compared to placebo.

Evaluation of mint efficacy regarding dysmenorrhea in comparison with mefenamic acid: A double blinded randomized crossover study

“…Sometimes the severity of symptoms in dysmenorrhea impairs the daily activities, and therefore, proper treatment is necessary. [ 7 ] In our study, duration and severity of dysmenorrhea was reduced with the consumption of Mefenamic Acid and mint. Many studies have attempted to find better drugs and methods with the same effect.…”

“…Peppermint herbal products are usually used in treating diseases. [ 7 8 ] Peppermint is one among several plants used in traditional medicine. This plant exerts its effect on the myometrium contractile activity by inhibiting prostaglandin F2α and oxytocin.…”

Review: Fruits of Morinda Citrifolia

“…This study included some variables such as age, parity,body mass index, pain, menstrual blood loss, hemoglobin, packed cell volume and erythrocyte sedimentation rate before and after treatment. Patients were observed for three menstrual cycles after being exposed to 400 mg of M. citrifolia capsules or placebo (38 in the placebo group and 42 in the M. citrifolia group) and there were no significant differences in any of the variables studied between treated and placebo group, further studies using higher doses of M. citrifolia with a larger sample size were recommended 44 (Fletcher et al, 2013).…”

The Potential Health Benefits of Noni Juice: A Review of Human Intervention Studies

“…A double-blind placebo-controlled trial, involving female university students suffering from dysmenorrhea, was completed to evaluate the efficacy of a capsule containing milled "noni herb powder" [38]. Over the course of three menstrual cycles, noni capsule ingestion did not improve menstrual pain when compared to the placebo.…”