The effect of frankincense (Boswellia serrata, oleoresin) and ginger (Zingiber officinale, rhizoma) on heavy menstrual bleeding: A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial

Abstract

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of frankincense (Boswellia serrata, oleoresin) and ginger (Zingiber officinale, rhizoma) as complementary treatments for heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) among women of reproductive age. DesignRandomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. SettingGynecology outpatient clinics. InterventionsPatients with HMB (n = 102) were randomly assigned to three groups. All patients received ibuprofen (200 mg) and either frankincense (300 mg), ginger (300 mg), or a placebo, which contains 200 mg anhydrous lactose as the filling agent and was similar in appearance to the two other drugs. Patients received the medications three times a day for seven days of the menstrual cycle, starting from the first bleeding day and this was repeated for two consecutive menstrual cycles. Main outcome measuresAmount and duration of menstrual bleeding and quality of life (QOL). ResultsDuration of menstrual bleeding was decreased in the frankincense (−1.77 ± 2.47 days, P = 0.003) and ginger (−1.8 ± 1.79 days, P = 0.001) groups, but not in the placebo group (−0.52 ± 1.86 days, P = 0.42). Amount of menstrual bleeding was decreased in all (P < 0.05), with no difference among the study groups (P > 0.05). More improvement in QOL was observed in the frankincense (−25.7 ± 3.1; P < 0.001) and ginger (−29.2 ± 3.7: P < 0.001) groups compared to the placebo group (−15.07 ± 3.52; P < 0.001) and between the groups, differences were statistically significant (P = 0.02). ConclusionsGinger and frankincense seem to be effective complementary treatments for HMB. Further studies with a larger sample size and longer follow-up are warranted in this regard.