The impact of a novel herbal Shirazi Thymus Vulgaris on primary dysmenorrhea in comparison to the classical chemical Ibuprofen

OBJECTIVE: Primary dysmenorrhea is defined as painful cramps during menstruation with no pelvic pathology. Due to the adverse effects of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are considered as the most common pharmacological treatment for this disorder. The present study was conducted to assess the impact of Shirazi Thymus Vulgaris compared to that of Ibuprofen on primary dysmenorrhea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized, single-blind clinical trial was conducted amongst 120 female students ofIlam University of Medical Sciences, aged 18-25 years who suffered from primary dysmenorrhea. The participants were randomly divided into two groups; one received the herbal and the other classical treatments. The herbal group received 5 ml of the Shirazi Thymus Vulgaris medication that commercially called BronchoT.D, orally four times a day. The classic group received Ibuprofen orally three times a day. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to record pain severity. RESULTS: Pain severity was reduced in both herbal and classic groups with no significant differences. Pain duration at the first and second month of treatment was also similar between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Shirazi Thymus Vulgaris decreased dysmenorrhea symptoms, which might be attributed to its antispasmodic effects. The herbal Shirazi Thymus Vulgaris can be recommended as an effective medication fortreatment of the primary dysmenorrhea disorder.