A Comparison of the Effect of Mefenamic Acid and Ginger on the Severity of Primary Dysmenorrhea: a Clinical Trial with a Three-Blind Control Group

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the impact of ginger extract and Mefenamic acid on the intensity of Primary dysmenorrhea among female patients seeking treatment at Farhangian Clinic in Najafabad City, Isfahan, Iran. Method: The present study was a randomized clinical trial with a three-blind design, which involved a sample of 95 individuals who sought services at Farhangian Clinic in Najafabad City. The study participants were stratified into three distinct cohorts, namely those who received Mefenamic acid, ginger, and a placebo. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was employed during the baseline assessment, as well as in the first and second cycles of the study. The statistical analysis was conducted utilizing SPSS 26. Results: The findings indicate that there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the mean pain intensity between the experimental and placebo groups at the baseline. The results of the study revealed that there was a significant decrease in pain intensity in both the ginger (F=8.387, P<0.05) and Mefenamic acid (F=9.928, P<0.05) groups during the first menstrual cycle as compared to the placebo group. The findings indicated that during the second cycle, the ginger and Mefenamic acid groups experienced a statistically significant reduction in pain intensity (ginger: F=13.209, P<0.05; Mefenamic acid: F=12.052, P<0.05) compared to the placebo group. The Post Hoc tests revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between the efficacy of Mefenamic acid and ginger in reducing pain intensity (P>0.05). Thus, both interventions exhibit equivalent efficacy in mitigating the severity of dysmenorrheaassociated pain. Conclusion: The findings of this research indicate that both Mefenamic acid and ginger exhibit comparable efficacy in mitigating dysmenorrhea-induced pain. Furthermore, ginger is associated with fewer adverse effects than Mefenamic acid, thereby advocating for the use of this herbal remedy in the management of dysmenorrhea. However, further investigations are warranted to explore these variables for enhanced generalizability.