Effect of Althea officinalis Linnaeus (Tuqme khatmi) in Cervicitis (Iltehabe unqur rehm) - An Open Observational Clinical Study

Introduction: Cervicitis (Iltehabe unqur rehm) is characterized by inflammation of the cervix. Patients may present with complaints of abnormal vaginal discharge, post coital bleeding, dyspareunia, lower backache and lower abdominal pain. In Unani system of medicine Tukhme khatmi has been Discharge selected out from various available drugs in sailan ur raham. Aim: To evaluate the effect of Tukhme khatmi (Althea officinalis Linnaeus) in cervicitis. Materials and Methods: Clinically diagnosed patients (n=30) married women between age group of 18-45 yrs with regular menses were included considering selection criteria. Safuf of tukhme khitmi 5gms with Shahed and marham of tukhme khitmi will be prepared as per standard preparation. Safuf twice daily orally and Humul at bed time for 21 days after menses with weekly follow up. Subjective and objective parameters were assessed. Primary outcome and Secondary outcome were assessed for Improvement in Abnormal Vaginal LBA, LAP, CB, dyspareunia, VSS score, VAS and SF-12 for QOL and for any adverse effect safety profile was done. Results: there was a significant improvement in abnormal vaginal discharge with a mean of 2.37±0.56 BT and 0.37±0 AT with p<0.0001 and other associated sign and symptoms of cervicitis. VSS with a mean of 1.80±0.48 BT and 0.03±0.182 AT shows significant change with p<0.0001 after intervention. QOL was markedly improved. Conclusion: Considering the above result tuqme khitmi is effective in alleviating symptoms of cervicitis. It can serve as an alternative treatment without any side effects and it is also cost effective. Further research is needed in large sample size for longer duration.