A Preliminary Study on the Efficacy of Danggui Shaoyao San and Cuscuta Chinensis in Patients with Primary Dysmenorrhea

Launched by TAICHUNG TZU CHI HOSPITAL · Dec 11, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating the effectiveness of two traditional Chinese medicine formulas, Danggui Shaoyao San (DSS) and Cuscuta Chinensis (Tu Si Zi), in helping women with primary dysmenorrhea, which means painful menstrual cramps. Many women experience this issue, and the usual treatments, like pain relievers and birth control pills, don’t always work well or may have unwanted side effects. The study aims to see if these TCM options can provide better relief from pain and other symptoms related to menstruation.

To take part in the study, women aged 20 to 45 with regular menstrual cycles and moderate to severe menstrual pain (rated above a certain level) can apply. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: one receiving DSS, one receiving Tu Si Zi, one getting a combination of both, and one taking a placebo (a treatment that looks the same but has no active ingredients). Throughout the study, participants will complete questionnaires about their symptoms and pain levels. This research could help find effective new treatments for menstrual pain and may lead to better options for women looking for relief.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Female participants aged 20 to 45 years.
• • 2. Regular menstrual cycles (21 to 42 days).
• • 3. History of moderate to severe primary dysmenorrhea (Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score \> 3) persisting for at least three consecutive menstrual cycles.
• • 4. Able to understand and complete the study questionnaires (e.g., MSQ).
• • 5. Willing to comply with study protocols, including taking study medications and attending follow-up visits.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Secondary dysmenorrhea caused by conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or uterine fibroids.
• • 2. Current use of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD).
• • 3. Irregular menstrual cycles.
• • 4. Pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy within the study period.
• • 5. Use of anticoagulant medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin, or heparin).
• • 6. Known allergies to any components of the study medications.
• • 7. Severe uncontrolled systemic diseases (e.g., neurological disorders, immunodeficiency, or bleeding disorders).
• • 8. Concurrent use of other herbal medicines or alternative treatments for premenstrual syndrome or dysmenorrhea.
• • 9. Participation in another clinical trial during the study period.
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