The effect of Valeriana officinalis capsule on the severity of postpartum pain: A randomized clinical trial

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 M.Sc. of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

2 M.Sc. of Midwifery, Department of Midwifery, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran.

3 M.Sc. Student of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

4 M.Sc. of Health and Social Welfare, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

5 Professor, Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Midwifery and Reproductive Health Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

10.22038/ijogi.2025.83629.6243

Abstract

Introduction: Postpartum pain is caused by intermittent uterine contractions after placenta and membranes abruption. Due to the harmful effects of chemical drugs, mothers have turned to herbal remedies. The present study was conducted with aim to evaluate the effect of the capsule containing Valeriana officinalis on the severity of postpartum pain.
Methods: This triple-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in 2023-2024 at hospitals affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. A total of 70 postpartum mothers were divided into two intervention and control groups. During the first 24 hours, every 8 hours, the intervention group was given 250 mg oral mefenamic acid capsules and 500 mg oral valerian capsules, and the control group was given placebo capsules and 250 mg oral mefenamic acid capsules. The intensity of postpartum pain was recorded with the VAS tool half an hour, one hour, and two hours after each intervention. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 21) and chi-square, Fisher's exact test, independent t-test, and regression analysis. P<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups in terms of demographic and obstetric characteristics before the intervention (p>0.05). There was a significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the mean pain score over time (p<0.001). Also, based on the results of the analysis of variance of repeated measurements, there was a significant decrease in the mean intra-group pain score over time in the intervention group (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The use of valerian officinalis capsules along with mefenamic acid was effective in reducing the severity of postpartum pain.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility
Volume 28, Issue 1
March 2025
Pages 44-57

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