The Effect of Alcea Angulata in Combination with Honey for Cervical Ripening in Nulliparous Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background & Objective: Oral consumption of Alcea Angulata species, which contains tannins, calcium, and carbohydrates, can induce contractions and facilitate childbirth during uncomplicated pregnancies. The present study was conducted with aim to assess the effect of Alcea Angulata in combination with honey for cervical ripening in nulliparous women. Materials & Methods: This randomized controlled trial study was conducted on ۸۰ nulliparous women at ۳۹ weeks of gestation who were divided into two groups: the intervention group received Alcea Angulata powder and honey (n=۴۰), and the control group received no intervention (n=۴۰). Outcomes were measured from the start of the intervention to delivery, including the interval from intervention to delivery, Bishop score, mode of delivery, delivery complications, Apgar scores at ۱st and ۵th minutes, need for neonatal resuscitation, and presence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Bishop score and stripping score were also monitored weekly until ۴۰th week of pregnancy and on days ۲, ۴, and ۶ post-due date if no delivery occurred. Results: The mean scores of the interval between first intervention and delivery time were ۱۳۱.۳±۷۷.۸ and ۱۳۲.۱±۱۰۷.۳ h in the intervention and control groups, respectively (P=۰.۶۳۳). Moreover, the two groups did not significantly differ regarding ۱-minute Apgar score (P=۰.۱۹۷), ۵-minute Apgar score (P=۰.۴۲۹), need for neonatal resuscitation (P=۰.۰۹۹), and meconium-stained amniotic fluid (P=۰.۰۹۹). Conclusion: The use of Alcea Angulata with honey did not significantly affect the time between intervention and delivery. It also showed no significant negative neonatal outcomes, suggesting the safety of the intervention.

کلیدواژه ها:

Alcea angulata ، Honey ، Cervical cipening ، Persian medicine ، Randomized controlled trial