MedTrace Logo

The Relationship Between Ophiocephalus Striatus Extract and Serum TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP Levels in Primary Dysmenorrhea

NCT07677462 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 40

Last updated 2026-06-30

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Primary dysmenorrhea is menstrual pain without any underlying pelvic disease. It affects many adolescent girls and can disrupt daily activities, school attendance, and quality of life. The pain is related to inflammation and the production of substances such as prostaglandins and inflammatory proteins like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP).

Ophiocephalus striatus (also known as snakehead fish) is a freshwater fish traditionally used in Southeast Asia to help wound healing and reduce inflammation. It contains high levels of albumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

This study was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted in Palembang, Indonesia. A total of 40 adolescent girls aged 13-19 years with moderate to severe primary dysmenorrhea were enrolled. They were randomly assigned to receive either Ophiocephalus striatus extract (500 mg capsules) or a matching placebo twice daily for 14 days before their expected next menstruation.

Pain intensity was measured using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain). Blood samples were taken at the beginning and end of the study to measure serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP using ELISA.

The study found that after 14 days, girls who received the extract had a significant reduction in pain (average VAS decreased from 7.3 to 4.2). Their levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP also decreased significantly. In the placebo group, pain also decreased but the inflammatory markers did not change significantly. No serious side effects were reported.

This suggests that Ophiocephalus striatus extract may help reduce menstrual pain by lowering inflammation. Further research with larger groups and longer treatment periods is needed to confirm these findings.

Conditions

  • Primary Dysmenorrhea (PD)

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Ophiocephalus striatus extract

Randomised control trial, Ophiocephalus striatus group (n=20) receive 2x500mg (capsule), placebo group (n=20) receive 2x1 (capsule) for 14 days. VipAlbumin contains 30% albumin, which is believed to improve wound healing and reduce inflammation. The placebo used was a capsule containing flour packaged to resemble an OS extract capsule that would be produced by a third party (Kimia Farma Pharmacy). The intervention will begin on the 14th day of the participants' menstrual cycle, and participants' compliance and any adverse effects will be monitored through daily communication via WhatsApp.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Universitas Sriwijaya

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
10 Years
Max Age
19 Years
Sex
FEMALE
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2023-03-01
Primary Completion
2023-06-30
Completion
2023-06-30

Countries

  • Indonesia

Study Locations

More Related Trials

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07677462 on ClinicalTrials.gov