The effect of portulaca oleracea capsules on hemorrhage volume and postpartum pain: Clinical trial study

Abstract

Background: Postpartum affects the well-being of mothers. Examining the approaches that could reduce the maternal side effects such as pain and bleeding, are among the top research priorities in midwifery. The present research aims to determine the effects of Portulaca Oleracea capsules on hemorrhage volume and postpartum pain. Methods: The double-blind clinical trial- after receiving permission from the Ethics Committee- targeted 106 women. The qualified mothers were classified into two groups using Sealed Envelope sample size. In both groups after taking Mefenamic acid as a routine treatment, the interventions were done. One group took Portulaca Oleracea capsules and the other group received placebo drugs that were similar in smell, color, and taste. In the interventional group, Portulaca Oleracea capsules were prescribed two times a day in the twelve-hour interval, after taking Mefenamic acid. In the control group, the placebo capsules were prescribed at the same intervals. To measure the amount of hemorrhage after delivery, pads were used after each intervention to determine differences in pads weighed. The IBM SPSS for Windows, version 16 was used for statistical analysis. Data analyzed by descriptive and analytic statistics Mann Whitney tests, and Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE). The level of significance was considered 0.05. Results: The average rate of pain intensity after the first intervention in the interventional group was 4.82 + 1.11 and in the placebo group was 5.22 + 1.09 (p=0.037). After the second intervention was 3.74 + 0.91 in the intervention group and 4.79 + 0.97 in the placebo group (p<0.001). The average hemorrhage volume after the second intervention was 28.33 + 6.67 in the interventional group and 35.96 + 7.59 (p<0.001) in the placebo group. Conclusion: Portulaca Oleracea capsules were effective in reducing the amount of postpartum pain and hemorrhage and can be used as herbal medicine to decrease postpartum pain and hemorrhage.