Herbs Like Guava Leaf Extract May Reduce Symptoms of Dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrheal, which is painful menstruation, is a common disorder for which the conventional treatment involves a lot of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).  However, guava leaf tea is a traditional treatment used in Mexico for the abdominal cramps and discomfort that is associated with menstrual disorders.  In this clinical trial, the investigators examined that guava leaf tea and its efficacy in the treatment of dysmenorrheal, as compared to a placebo and ibuprofen, which is a NSAID. 

One hundred and ninety-seven female subjects between the ages of seventeen and twenty-five years old who have regular menstrual cycles and primary dysmenorrheal.  These subjects were randomized into four treatment groups.  Group one, which contained fifty-two members, received one capsule every eight hours of guava leaf extract that was standardized 3 milligrams/flavonal a day.  Group two, containing fifty-seven members, received two capsules of guava leaf every eight hours standardized to 6 milligrams/flavonal a day.  Group three, which contained forty-two members, received one capsule of placebo every eight hours while group four, containing forty-six  members, received one ibuprofen capsule (400 milligrams) every eight hours. 

Each subject took the capsules for three consecutive menstrual cycles for five days, starting twenty-four hours before the onset of menstruation.  Pain was measured on a scale from 0-10.0, with 10.0 representing the highest level of pain.  The guava leaf extract, ibuprofen, and placebo were each manufactured at the Development Laboratory of the Mexican Institute of Social Security, where they used quality control measures throughout the entire manufacturing process.  Twelve of the subjects dropped out from group one, while nineteen dropped out from group two, eleven from group three, and twelve from group four.  For all of these drop outs, the reason that was cited was “lack of time.”  However, compliance in all the treatment groups was good. 

At the beginning there was no significant difference between the four groups in pain intensity scores, but during the first two days of the menstrual cycle there was a reduction in pain intensity for all four groups.  According to the researchers, a “consistent effect” was not observed in group one, while group two experienced a significant reduction in pain intensity during the first menstrual cycle.  Additionally, group two experienced a significant reduction in pain intensity in cycles two and three with levels dropping to a rated 0.02 and 0.001 respectively. 

These results indicate that guava leaf extract, when standardized to 6 milligrams of flavonal per day, significantly reduces the symptoms of primary dysmenorrheal, which consist of pain in the lower abdomen which may radiated to thighs and the lower back, as well as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and headaches.  These symptoms usually start a few hours before the beginning of menstruation and continue on for usually a few days.  Further research is necessary to support these findings. 

Additionally, a larger sample size, duration, and dose may be needed in order to confirm the above results.  Be sure to look for more studies and information on the effects of guava leaf extract on those women experiencing primary dysmenorrhea in the years to come.  Herbalists have known for years that phytoestrogens like the flavonal’s fund in guava leaf can help alleviate menstrual symptoms.  This and other great menstrual herbal powder can be found at your local health food store.