Efficacy of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) in the Management of Incomplete Abortion: An Open-Label Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Incomplete abortion is a common complication of pregnancy. <i>Sesamum indicum</i> L. is a widely used emmenagogue herb. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> We designed a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of sesame for the removal of retained products of conception (RPOC). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In this randomized, open-label, and controlled trial, 45 patients received sesame powder as an intervention group and 45 patients received expectant management as a control group for 5 days. The primary outcome measure was complete resolution of RPOC assessed by sonography. Secondary outcome measures were severity of patients’ vaginal bleeding and pain. <b><i>Results:</i></b> 84.1% had complete resolution of RPOC in the sesame group, while 26.2% had complete resolution of RPOC in the control group, which was statistically significant (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). Moreover, patients in the sesame group showed a significantly more decreasing trend in pain and vaginal bleeding compared to the control group (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Sesame had a significant effect on the removal of RPOC and the reduction of pain and vaginal bleeding.