Evaluation of efficacy of Punica granatum L. ( Persian gulnar ) on uterine leiomyoma related menorrhagia a pilot study

摘要

Uterine leiomyoma is a common problem for women and menorrhagia is its main symptom. In Iranian Traditional Medicine, Gulnar (abortive flower of Punica granatum Linn) has long been applied for its hemostatic effects. Many current medical treatments are associated with adverse health conditions and side effects so this study was done to assess the efficacy of Persian Gulnar on controlling symptoms of uterine leiom yoma related to menorrhagia. This was a before/after style pilot study conducted on 19 women aged 18 - 50 years and suffering from uterine leiomyoma related menorrhagia. The Gulnar syrup administration was repeated for 3 consecutive menstrual periods. Record s were taken for menstrual duration and menstrual - blood loss and evaluations were made according to the Pictorial Blood loss Assessment Chart at the end of each menstrual period. Quality of life was assessed using the Menorrhagia Questionnaire. Also abdomi nal ultra - sonography, before intervention and after, at the end of the study, was done to evaluate leiomyoma size. Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment scores and means of numbers of bleeding days significantly declined after 3 months of treatment with the syru p. Results also showed significant changes of quality of life scores in the intervention group after 3 months compared to the baseline. The average uterine fibroid size decreased by 16.1% in the 3 months of the trial. In conclusion, pomegranate syrup seems to be effective in reduction of uterine size and leiomyoma bleeding and improving the quality of life.