Comparing the Effects of Cumin, Peppermint, and Milk of Magnesia on Gastrointestinal Complications after Caesarean Section

CONTEXT: Gastrointestinal problems are common after Cesarean section. During the past three decades, there has been an increasing trend in the use of herbal plants in the treatment of various medical conditions.

AIMS: This study aimed to compare the effects of cumin, peppermint with magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia; MOM) on gastrointestinal complications of Caesarean section.

SETTINGS & DESIGN: This randomized double-blind controlled trial was conducted in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of Imam Hospital (affiliated to Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran) during November 2013-August 2014. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Islamic Azad Medical University, Sari Branch (Iran).

MATERIAL & METHODS: A total of 83 patients undergoing non-emergency Cesarean delivery in Imam Hospital were randomly selected. Patients with underlying diseases, history of gastrointestinal problems, fever, intestinal adhesion, longer-than-usual Cesarean section, and lack of cooperation were excluded. The subjects were informed about the study objectives and procedure and asked to provide written informed consent. They were then randomly assigned into three groups of cumin, peppermint, MOM. Gastrointestinal complications were assessed 20, 40, 60, and 120 minutes after drug administration.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The collected data were analyzed using Fisher’s exact and chi-square tests in SPSS for Windows 18.0.

RESULTS: There was no significant difference between three groups according to incidence of gastrointestinal side effects after Cesarean section at the mentioned intervals.

CONCLUSIONS: Cumin and peppermint were as effective as MOM.