Efficacy of Commiphora myrrha and Honey in Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background: Dysmenorrhea is the most common menstrual complaint in young women with a prevalence as high as 90% and is responsible for substantial repeated short-term absenteeism from school and work in young women. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of Commiphora myrrha and honey with mefenamic acid in primary dysmenorrhea. Materials and Methods: This prospective standard controlled trial was conducted at Luqman Unani Medical College Hospital and Research Center Vijayapura, India where 40 diagnosed patients of primary dysmenorrhea were randomly assigned to receive test drug (powdered Commiphora myrrha gum resin10g with 30g honey in two divided doses) or active control drug (mefenamic acid 250mg TID) for first 3days of menstruationfor two consecutive cycles. The primary outcome measure was reduction in severity of pain assessed by numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), and secondary outcome measures were improvement in quality of life (QOL) assessed by SF-36 and reduction in perceived stress score (PSS). Results: During first cycle treatment no significant difference was found in NPRS score (p=0.085) between the groups however significant difference in NPRS score (p<0.001) was seen during 2nd treatment cycle. Significant reduction (p=0.022) in the perceived stress score was noted and overall quality of life was markedly improved after treatment in both the groups. Conclusion: These data suggest that Commiphora myrrha gum resin with honey is an effective herb in reducing symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea. These results need to be confirmed by a properly designed trial with a larger sample size.