title: Clinical efficacy of Trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek) and dry cupping therapy on intensity of pain in patients with primary dysmenorrhea.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the effificacy and safety of fenugreek seed and dry cupping on intensity of pain in primary dysmenorrhea.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty patients with primary dysmenorrhea were enrolled in this prospective, open-labeled, randomized, standard-controlled study, conducted in the National Institute of Unani Medicine Hospital between February 2010 and April 2011. In group A (20 cases), 3 g powder of fenugreek seed (3 capsules, 1 g each) was given orally twice daily from day 1 to 3 of menstrual cycle. Group B (20 cases) received the same dose of fenugreek seed as group A along with dry cupping therapy [two 4.2-cm and one 2.5-cm cups (internal diameter)], which was applied below the umbilicus for 15 min on day 1 and day 3 of menstrual cycle for 3 consecutive months. The control group C (20 cases) was given mefenamic acid, 500 mg twice daily, on the same protocol. The reduction in menstrual pain intensity was measured with well validated Visual Analogue Scale and safety of fenugreek seed was evaluated by clinical examination and laboratory investigations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Baseline characteristics and biochemical parameters were comparable and homogenous among all groups (P>0.05). The percentage reduction in lower abdominal pain was 66.89%, 66.49%, and 62.88% in A, B and C groups respectively at the end of the treatment. No adverse drug effects were noticed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The fenugreek seed and dry cupping are effificacious, safe, cost effective, and well tolerated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Research, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560091, India.
authors.forename: Wajida
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Inanmdar
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Research, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560091, India. drarshiya@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Arshiya
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sultana
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Research, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560091, India.
authors.forename: Umraz
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Mubeen
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Research, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560091, India.
authors.forename: Khaleequr
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rahman
keywords: Fenugreek (Hulba); Hijamat bila shurt (dry cupping); Visual Analogue Scale for pain intensity; primary dysmenorrhea; randomized; standard-controlled trial