Effects of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum) on Perineal Pain and Healing of Episiotomy: A Randomized Placebo –Controlled Trial.

Abstract

Abstract: Background: We aimed to evaluate the effect of cinnamon on perineal pain and healing of episiotomy incision. Methods: In this randomized, double –blind trial, 144 women were allocated using stratified (by center and parity) block randomization into two groups, receiving the cinnamon or placebo ointment, 3 ml every 12 hours for 10 days. Perineal pain were recorded before the intervention (one hour after completion of repair), 4±1, 8±1 hours after first ointment administration and 10-11 days after delivery, using 0-10 visual analogue scale and wound healing were assessed before intervention, at the 8±1 hour and 10-11 days postpartum using REEDA (0-15). General linear model was used to compare the groups. Results: Follow –up rate was 100% up to the 8 hours in the both groups and 86% (62 of 72) in cinnamon and 85% (61 of 72) in placebo group at day 10-11 after delivery. Pain score in the cinnamon group was significantly lower than in the placebo group at 4±1 {adjusted difference: -0.6, 95% confidence interval: -0.2 to -0.1}, 8±1 hours (-0.9, -0.4 to -1.5) and 10 days after delivery (-1.4, -0.7 to -2.0). Also Cinnamon group showed significantly more improvement than control group in healing score at 8±1 hour (-0.2. -0.05 to -0.5) and 10 days after delivery (-1.5, -1.0 to -1.9). Conclusion: Cinnamon can reduce the perineal pain and improve healing episiotomy incision. Clinical trial Registration: This study was approved (code 91157) by the Ethics committee of Tabriz University of Medical Science and registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with IRCT201211303706N18 on 13 December 2012.