Publication:

Effect of Moringa oleifera soup on primary dysmenorrhea in adolescent girls

Background Dysmenorrhea causes a substantial burden on the quality of life of female adolescents. The prevalence estimates range from 25 to 90%. Hence this study aimed to evaluate the effect of Moringa oleifera (MO) soup on primary dysmenorrhea in adolescent girls.

Methods This interventional clinical study was conducted on 111 adolescent college-going girls. Age, anthropometric data (height, weight), age of menarche, presence and absence of primary dysmenorrhea (PD), menses irregularities and other associated symptoms were collected primarily through the prepared standard questioners. Based on the collected data, 40 primary dysmenorrheal participants were selected and further, the information was collected regarding primary dysmenorrhea associated symptoms like back pain, abdominal pain, headaches, leg cramps, painful/tender breasts, acne, tiredness, anger, mood swing, insomnia, altered appetite, nausea/vomiting or diarrhea. The hemoglobin and red blood count were evaluated in the PD participants. Both the hematological and dysmenorrhea-associated parameters were assessed before and after treatment of MO leaf soup.

Results Our study results showed that the prevalence of dysmenorrhea is 36%. Dysmenorrhea participants had the most frequent (every month), painful, irregular and longer length of the menstrual cycle. The dysmenorrheal pain was most frequent, shorten, moderately intense and the higher percentage in the lower abdomen, lower side and pain at a different locations. Dysmenorrhea-associated illnesses like tiredness, abdominal pain, back pain, anger and irritability, leg cramps, and mood swings were higher in participants with dysmenorrhea. After administration of MO leaf soup significantly improves the hemoglobin and RBC levels in PD participants. Also, improve the menstrual as well as pain-associated symptoms of PD.

Conclusions In conclusion intake of MO soup effectively improves the primary dysmenorrhea associated menstrual as well pain as symptoms and corrects the anemia condition by increasing the hemoglobin and RBC levels in adolescent girls with dysmenorrhea.