Effect of herbs with anti-inflammatory activity on mastalgia and engorgement: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: Administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) has shown promising results in improving mastalgia and congestion, although it was associated with side effects. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of medicinal herbs with potential anti-inflammatory activity on periodic mastalgia. Methods: The search strategy was systematic screening of English electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library with no time restriction from inception to March 1, 2023. Jadad scale was used to assess the quality of included articles. Results: The findings of this analysis show that plant extracts with antioxidant potential can significantly reduce the severity of mastalgia compared to the control group SMD: 0.75 (-0.89 to -0.61; p=0.01: CI 95%)-also the heterogeneity index value is (I2=0%; P = 0.5). Evening primrose oil and Vitagnus can significantly reduce the severity of mastalgia in comparison with control. Conclusion: Considering the importance of women's health, which plays an effective role in family functioning, and the fact that mastalgia can disrupt their activities, and on the other hand, medicinal plants with potential anti-inflammatory activity can have beneficial effects on the improvement of mastalgia. This method can be used as a useful method in improving periodic mastalgia.