Topical Use of Plant Extract-Based Oil Blend in Relieving the Symptoms of Primary Dysmenorrhea

Abstract

A high occurrence of primary dysmenorrhea denotes a considerable female health concern. The objective of this study has been to evaluate the efficacy of topical application of a synergistic blend of plant-extracts oil in relieving the symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain, pain duration, and menstrual flow). The study design was randomized, double-blind, multi-phasic and was a placebo-controlled cross-over study. Participants were females, 18-20 years old with regular cycles and suffering from symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea. Sixty-four participants were randomly allocated to apply either the test oil or the placebo for first phase of the study. For the second phase, the interventions were switched. It was assessed that topical application of the oil significantly and efficiently reduced 1) menstrual pain within 30 minutes during the first three days of menstruation, 2) duration of menstrual pain during the first three days of menstruation, and 3) amount of menstrual flow as compared to the placebo.