Clinical Evaluation of Efficacy of Unani Formulation in Ovulation Induction in Anovulatory Infertility

Abstract

Abstract
Anovulation is responsible for 30–40% of infertility. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of unani formulation in ovulation induction. A standard controlled randomized single blind study was undertaken at Gynaecology department, National Institute of Unani Medicine Hospital, Bangalore. Patients of anovulatory infertility with menstrual irregularities and polycystic ovarian disease in the age group of 20-40 years were randomly allocated to test (n=20) and control (n=10) groups. Patients with primary
ovarian failure, thyroid dysfunction, hyperprolactinemia, systemic illnesses and
malignancy were excluded. In test group, Unani formulation consisting of Withania somnifera, Anogeissus latifolia, Nymphaea alba and Barleria prionitis was administered in powdered form 12 gm (in two divided doses) daily from 5th day of menstrual cycle for 5 days along with milk for three consecutive cycles. In control group clomiphene citrate in 50 mg dose was administered once daily for the same duration. Primary outcome measure was ovulation. Secondary outcome measure was conception rate. Results were analysed using Student‘t’test, Chi-square (χ2) and Fisher Exact test. Ovulatory rate was 40%, 35.3% and 68.8% in 1st, 2nd and 3rd cycle in test group, while in control group it was 60% in 1st cycle and 55.6% in each 2nd and 3rd cycle, respectively. Conception rate was 10% and 18.8% in 1st and 3rd cycle in test group, while in control group it was only 10% in 1st cycle during treatment. The effect of unani formulation was comparable with that of control drug; therefore it can be used as an alternate therapy for ovulation
induction.

Keywords: ovulation, folliculogenesis, Withania somnifera, conception rate