The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility

The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility

The Effect of Ziziphora Tenuior Extract Capsules on Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Fatemeh Azari Alikhanghale 1
Elham Zare 2
Faraz Mojab 3
Malihe Nasiri 4
1 M.Sc. of Midwifery, Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Midwifery & Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3 Professor, Department of Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
4 Assistant Professor, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
10.22038/ijogi.2026.92817.6602
Abstract
Introduction: Primary dysmenorrhea is one of the most common gynecological disorders in young girls, characterized by cramping abdominal pain and significantly reducing quality of life. Due to the adverse effects of conventional chemical drugs including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and oral contraceptive pills, as well as existing evidence regarding the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of ziziphora tenuior, this study was conducted with aim to determine the effect of ziziphora tenuior extract capsules on the severity and duration of primary dysmenorrhea.
Methods: This triple-blind randomized clinical trial study was conducted in 2024-2025 on 94 students with primary dysmenorrhea. Research instruments included demographic characteristics questionnaire, menstrual status questionnaire, and painVisual Analogue Scale. Participants were allocated into two groups intervention and control (n=47 in each group). The intervention group received 500 mg capsules containing ziziphora tenuior extract, while the control group received 500 mg capsules containing dried bread (placebo) every 8 hours during the first three days of menstruation for two consecutive cycles. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (version 20) and chi-square, independent t-test, Mann-Whitney, and repeated-measures analysis of covariance. P<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The two groups were homogeneous in terms of demographic variables including age (p=0.646), body mass index (p=0.469), mean age at menarche (p=0.096), and age of onset of dysmenorrhea (p=0.111) (p>0.05). Also, mean pain severity and duration before the intervention showed no significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). However, after the intervention, pain severity with effect sizes of 0.653 and duration with effect sizes of 0.466 in the ziziphora tenuior group showed a significant decrease compared to the placebo group.
Conclusion: Given its acceptable efficacy and favorable safety profile relative to conventional chemical agents, use of ziziphora tenuior as an effective treatment option to reduce the symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea in young girls can be considered by midwives and providers of women's health services.
Keywords
Clinical Trial
Dysmenorrhea
Menstruation
Lamiaceae
Plant Extracts
Ziziphora Tenuior
Subjects
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The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility
Volume 29, Issue 4
June 2026
Pages 42-53