Study on the effect of a topical product containing foxberry extract on episiotomy wound healing in primiparous women: a triple-blind clinical trial

Episiotomy means cutting the superficial muscles, skin, and vagina in the second stage of labor. Sanguisorba minor, has anti-inflammatory, anti-congestive, analgesic, and antibacterial potential effects that can be effective in the wound healing process.

Methods: This study was a randomized, triple-blind, controlled clinical trial conducted on 86 primiparous women (43 in the Sanguisorba minor group and 43 in the placebo group) referred to Mahdieh Hospital in Tehran in 1403. After delivery, 2 grams of ointment was prescribed for topical application on the episiotomy incision twice a day for 10 nights for both study groups. Data collection tools included demographic and obstetric information questionnaire, visual pain scale, Rida checklist, and questionnaire to assess complications and satisfaction with the intervention. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 26) and chi-square, independent t-test, Bonferroni, and Mann-Whitney U tests. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Findings: There was no statistically significant difference between the Sanguisorba minor and placebo groups in terms of demographic and obstetric characteristics before the intervention (P˃0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the wound healing score in the two groups before the intervention (P=0.648). The mean wound healing score in the Sanguisorba minor group on the fifth and tenth days was statistically significantly different compared to the placebo group (P˂0.001).

Conclusion: Ointment containing Sanguisorba minor extract improves episiotomy wounds .