Efficacy of red betel (<i>Piper ornatum</i>) in accelerating perineal wound healing in postpartum women

The incidence of second-degree perineal lacerations, which involve injury to the vaginal tissue and perineal muscles, ranges from 35.1% to 78.3% among primiparous women and 34.8% to 39.6% among multiparous women. Red betel (Piper ornatum) is well known for its disinfectant and antifungal properties, making it an effective option for wound care. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of red betel leaf extract in accelerating perineal wound healing in postpartum women. A quasi-experimental design with a non-randomized pretest-posttest control group approach was employed, involving 39 participants divided into the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received red betel leaf extract twice daily for seven days, while the control group received conventional care. Wound healing was assessed by using the REEDA score. The results showed a significant reduction in REEDA scores in the intervention group, with an average decrease from 10.7 to 2.1, compared to a reduction from 7.2 to 3.5 in the control group (p < 0.05). This represents an 8.6-point improvement in the intervention group versus a 3.6 points in the control group. The bioactive compounds in red betel leaves, including flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, contribute to their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that accelerate wound healing. These findings highlight the potential of red betel leaf extract as a natural, non-pharmacological therapy for postpartum wound care. Broader implementation could improve maternal health outcomes, particularly in settings with limited access to conventional treatment.