Comparing the effect of Anethum gravolens with mefenamic acid consumption on treatment of primary dysmenorrhea

The primary dysmenorrhea is one of the most common problem that women complaint about and at least 50% of them experience it during the productivity period. The goal of this study was to compare the effect of Dill (Anethum graveolens) with mefenamic acid consumption on treatment of primary dysmenorrhea in students of Iranshahr Universities، 2010.

This study is a clinical trial that conducted on 100 students with moderate severity and primary dysmenorrhea who were educating in Iranshahr Universities. They were randomly divided into two groups (mefenamic acid and Anethum graveolens). In the beginning of the cycle Dillsun was prescribed (10gtt q8hours) for Anethum graveolens. 1 capsul 250mg per 6 hours was prescribed for another group one day after starting the pain. Severity of pain was compared in pre intervention cycle and three cycles post intervention in both 2 groups. Results were analyzed by SPSS through chi square، ANOVA and t-test in 0. 5 level of significancy.

The mean of dysmenorrhea severity was not significant in pre intervention cycle between two groups (P=0. 42)، but pain reduction in each three cycles after interventions in both groups was reported. This reduction was more in mefenamic acid group and it was more significant in secondary and tertiary cycles (P<0. 05).

Mefenamic acid and Anethum graveolens are effective in dysmenorrhea. Although this affect was more obvious in mefenamic acid group but as Anethum graveolens is an herbal combination، which has less side effects and people''s interest to herbal treatments is considerable، so it is recommended to use it for treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.