Traditional phytomedicines for gynecological problems used by tribal communities of Mohmand Agency near the Pak-Afghan border area

Abstract Medicinal plants play a vital role in the human health care system of tribal communities and in the treatment of various gynecological problems. This study is an effort to document important medicinal flora used for the treatment of gynecological problems by indigenous people living in a tribal region near the Pak-Afghan border. The main objective of the study was to establish a clear profile of indigenous knowledge and practices from the unexplored tribal territory. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and group discussions. The data were analyzed through Use Value and Factor of Informant Consensus. A total of 52 medicinal plants were recorded from the area; the most widely accepted were Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (94 Use Value), Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (93 Use Value), Prunus domestica L. (91 Use Value), Myrtus communis L. (91 Use Value), Cannabis sativa L. (91 Use Value) and Nigella sativa L. (90 Use Value). A high consensus factor was recorded for menses-related problems (0.95). The root was the main part used (23% plants), followed by the leaves (20% plants), whole plant (18% plants), fruit (18% plants), and seed (13% plants). A total of 21 plants were used to treat menses-related problems, followed by sexual problems (ten plants), leucorrhea (nine plants), gastric problems (seven plants) and amenorrhea (seven plants). Knowledge related to ethnogynecological treatments is restricted to midwives and traditional healers. In conclusion, the documented flora that is particularly important to medicinal plants may be researched in the future to discover new pharmaceutical, neutraceutical and other pharmacological agents against gynecological complaints.

Study of menstrual problems among the adolescence girls of rural area of Aligarh.

Introduction: Menstrual practices are still bounded by social restrictions and taboos. This may result in ignorance of hygienic practices during menstruation. So there should be proper knowledge given to the girls since childhood. The present study was conducted in rural areas of Aligarh. It was conducted in 70 adolescent girls before taking verbal consent from them. The aim of the study was to find menstrual pattern among the rural adolescent girls, the various menstrual problems among them and the effect of this problem on their daily routine. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among girls of age group 13 to 19 years attending the rural health training centre of Department of Community Medicine, J.N. Medical College, Aligarh. Seventy girls who had given verbal consent were interviewed. Data was collected by personal interview and semi structure questionnaires. Data was analyzed using SPSS software. 35.7% were in 13-15 years age group, 21.4% were in 15- 17 years age group and 42.9% were in 17-19 years age group. Regarding problems related to menstrual cycle, dysmenorrhea (71.4%) was the commonest problem. Other then this, girls had pre-menstrual syndrome (57.14%), backache (50%), fatigue (42.8%), breast heaviness ( 28.5%), joint pain (21.4%), increased weight (28.5%), headache( 28.5%) and abdominal bloating (50%). The menstrual problems affected their daily routine. Around 71.4% of the subject were forced to have prolonged bed rest, 64.28% had missed social activities. 50% of them had disturbed sleep, 35.7% had decreased appetite, 42.8% had missed classes, 50% who were employed had to abstain from their work. Conclusion: Menstruation problems usually cause interruption of daily routine of adolescent girls. School health programme should include provision for screening of adolescent girl for menstruation related problem and providing them with relevant information. Clearing up the misconception relating to menstruation and offering possible treatment options should be done. This may help in improving school and academic performance of students.

Premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea in Korean adolescent girls / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: To analyze menstrual problems, as well as various factors that affect the PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and dysmenorrhea on Korean female teenagers. METHODS: We analyzed menstrual problems, PMS, and dysmenorrhea based on the survey answered by 400 high school girls (17~18 years old) from randomly chosen schools in Seoul. Final respondents to a questionnaire were 327 students. RESULTS: The prevalence of PMS was reported by 63.0 % (206 people), and dysmenorrhea by 78.3 % (256 people). PMS was strongly linked to dysmenorrhea (P=0.000). The severity of PMS was correlated with normality of menstrual duration (P=0.034) and familial history (P=0.012). In the case of dysmenorrhea, the presence of dysmenorrhea was significantly high among the group with two years after menarche (P=0.003). Also the severity was positively correlated with normality of menstrual duration (P=0.017) and familial history (P=0.000). PMS and dysmenorrhea have no correlation with body mass index. Although PMS had a correlation with depression (P=0.020), it was not related to dysmenorrhea. CONCLUSIONS: There was a correlation between PMS and dysmenorrhea. For PMS, it had a correlation with menstrual duration, familial history and depression. Dysmenorrhea was highly frequent among the group with two years after menarche. Though it was correlated with normal menstrual duration and familial history, it did not have any correlation with depression.

Treatment of Menstrual Problems with Ki-related Prescriptions-Lessons from 5 Cases- / 日本東洋医学雑誌

We report on five patients with menstrual pain and/or other disorders, whose symptoms improved when treated with Ki-related prescriptions. Hangekobokuto improved severe epigastralgia and menstrual pain in Case 1. Saibokuto showed improvement of menstrual disorders and pain in Case 2, while Hangekobokuto also ameliorated menstrual pain in Case 3. The treatments were based on patient Ki stagnation, although the symptoms of Ketsu stagnation were also observed in these cases. In Case 4, the patient's menstrual pain and disorders were improved by changing her prescription from Kamishoyosan, to Keishikaryukotsuboreito. In Case 5, a menstrual period of more than 40 days became a regular rhythm of 30 days, while treating the patient's chief complaint of urticaria, with Keishikaryukotsuboreito. Symptoms of Ketsu stagnation were not apparent in Cases 4 and 5. We prescribed Keishikaryukotsuboreito—a prescription for Ki regurgitation—because of suggestive symptoms of nightmare, as well as palpitation in the abdomen.<br>Menstrual problems are often related to Ketsu abnormalities according to Kampo medicine literature. However, symptoms related to Ki regurgitation and Ki stagnation are also observed in women with menstrual problems who are under stress. Therefore, it is important to know that there have been cases, such as ours, of menstrual problems successfully treated with Ki-related prescriptions.