The comparison of Shirazi Thymus Vulgaris and Mefenamic acid effects on primary dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is one of the most prevalent complaints of women which is due to Prostaglandin release and is treated by chemical drugs. Today regarding side effects of these drugs, scientists are increasingly moving toward using herbal drugs. This study is planned to comparison the effects of Thymus Vulgaris and Mefenamic acid on primary dysmenorrhea. This is a clinical trial study. Target population was women suffering from primary dysmenorrhea and study population was women reffering to marriage consulting center. Based on α=5%, β=20%, sample size was calculated 214 which were divided into two groups randomly. Samples were asked to determine their pain severity before using the drug, by a visual scale (0-10cm). In the study group each sample cosumed 15 grams Thyme leaf brewed in a glass of water and in control group samples used 250mg Mefenamic acid capsules. Then pain severity was determined again 1, 2 and 3 hours after using drugs. Data was analysed by mean and standard deviation indexes and K-S, man-whitney and chi-square tests. Helsinki declaration was regarded at all stages of the research. Pain severity mean, before using the two drugs had no significant difference between groups. In each group, pain severity was significantly decreased before and after using the drug (p=0.05). But the rate of decreasing pain between the two groups showed no significant difference. Regarding results, it seems both Mefenamic acid and Thymus Vulgaris decrease pain at the same level which seems to be due to Thyme,s antiprostaglandin and antispasmodic effects.