The effect of Dioscorea esculenta powder on prostaglandin E 2 and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2 levels, menstrual pain, and premenstrual syndrome in young women: A randomized double-blind controlled trial

Background Diosgenin, extracted from Dioscorea esculenta, has been reported to decrease prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) levels and any other inflammatory cytokine in rodents. However, it is still unclear whether D. esculenta intake suppressed PGE 2 production and menstrual pain and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in younger female. Aim This study aims to investigate the effect of D. esculenta intake on PGE 2 and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2 (COX-2) levels and on menstrual pain and PMS in young women. This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Methods Ten healthy young females were administered either a placebo or D. esculenta (300 mg/day) for 4 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout period. Fasting blood sample was taken from the fingertips on the second day of menstrual cycle began and obtained 24h before the last D. esculenta to avoid acute effects. Participants then switched treatments for 4 weeks as a second trial. Plasma PGE 2 and COX-2 levels were measured before and after each trial. The visual analogue scale (VAS), McGill pain questionnaire (MPQ), and Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP) were also evaluated. The study was set and conducted from 2019 to 2020. Results PGE 2 and COX-2 levels significantly decreased after D. esculenta intake compared to placebo ( p = 0.038, p = 0.042 each). The VAS and DRSP scores were also significantly lower after D. esculenta intake ( p = 0.046, p = 0.035 each). Conclusion Four-week D. esculenta intake suppressed PGE 2 and COX-2 levels resulting in an improvement in PMS symptoms and menstrual pain in young women.