Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a topical lotion prepared from M. communis essential oil of in the alleviation of hemorrhoids symptoms, and compare its effects with those of anti-hemorrhoid ointment in a randomized double-blind double-dummy trial. A total of 106 patients with hemorrhoids symptoms were recruited and randomized to receive either M. communis lotion and placebo ointment (n=50; age: 36.2±10.8) or anti-hemorrhoid ointment (containing hydrocortisone, lidocaine, aluminium subacetate and zinc oxide) and placebo lotion (n=56; age: 40.6±11.1) for a period of two weeks. Te severity and frequency of hemorrhoids symptoms were evaluated at baseline and at the end of trial. All evaluated symptoms (bleeding, permanent pain, pain during defecation, anal itching and irritation, heaviness and tenesmus) were signifficantly decreased by the end of trial in either of the study groups (p<0.001). Tere was no signifficant difference in the improvement rate for any of the assessed symptoms between M. communis lotion and anti-hemorrhoid ointment (p>0.05). Te results of this research provide the first clinical evidence on the efficacy of M. communis essential oil in the alleviation of hemorrhoids symptoms and further support the application of this plant as an anti-hemorrhoid agent in traditional medicine.