Primary dysmenorrhea, which affects over 90% of women in their reproductive years, is a leading cause of missed work and school days due to debilitating menstrual pain.
Traditional treatments like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) often provide relief but come with side effects such as nausea and long-term resistance.
Adlay, also known as Job’s tears, has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its health benefits.
Its anti-inflammatory properties, enhanced by extracts of cinnamon, grape seed, and onion, could make it a potential candidate for treating conditions like dysmenorrhea.
Pains taken to alleviate pain
Conducted as a randomised controlled trial (RCT) by researchers at Taipei Medical University, Ain Shams University and the University of Chicago, the study showed that the formula not only alleviated pain but also lowered inflammation linked to the condition.
The trial enrolled 69 women aged 20to 40 who reported moderate to severe menstrual pain.
Participants were divided into two groups: 35 women received the Adlay-based formula and 34 were given a placebo.
They consumed the formula daily for two menstrual cycles, with pain and inflammation measured using standard scales and blood tests.
The researchers subsequently reported a significant drop in pain levels measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), as well as reductions in inflammatory markers like prostaglandins (PGE2 and PGF2α) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP).
They also observed improved symptoms such as less severe abdominal pain, backaches, nausea, diarrhoea, and cold sweats.
Participants in the intervention group experienced consistent improvement over the course of the trial compared to those in the placebo group.
A natural, user-friendly solution
Unlike conventional pills or capsules, the Adlay-based formula was developed as a hot drink.
Warm beverages are known to soothe menstrual pain, making the formula an attractive option for women seeking comfort and relief during their periods.
Importantly, no side effects were reported among the participants.
The study also highlighted that women overwhelmingly favoured non-pharmaceutical methods for managing menstrual pain.
Common practices include drinking warm beverages, applying heat, and resting.
The Adlay formula, designed to dissolve in hot water, aligns perfectly with these preferences, offering both comfort and effectiveness.
Limitations and future directions
Despite the study’s promising results, the researchers cautioned that more work was needed to fully validate their findings.
The trial involved a relatively small group of participants, limiting its generalisability.
Additionally, the study did not include women with secondary dysmenorrhea caused by underlying conditions like endometriosis.
Future research should aim to identify the specific bioactive compounds responsible for the formula’s effectiveness, and test its long-term efficacy in larger, more diverse populations.
It should also explore the formula’s potential in managing secondary dysmenorrhea and other inflammatory conditions.
Another limitation the researchers noted was the reliance on indirect markers of inflammation.
Although prostaglandin and hs-CRP levels were measured in the blood, direct analysis of the endometrium — where dysmenorrhea inflammation originates — was not conducted.
Future studies will need to address this gap.
Industry implications
The Adlay-based formula represents a significant opportunity for companies in the health and wellness sector.
With growing consumer demand for natural, non-pharmaceutical solutions, this product could disrupt the menstrual health market.
Its dual action — providing warmth and reducing inflammation — meets the needs of modern consumers seeking both relief and comfort.
The study’s findings also support the potential for plant-based remedies to play a larger role in healthcare.
By combining traditional medicinal knowledge with modern scientific validation, the Adlay formula offers a model for developing future products in the dietary supplement industry.
The way forward
The researchers expressed optimism about the formula’s future applications, including broader use cases in inflammatory and pain-related conditions.
Moreover, they believe the formula’s success could encourage further exploration of traditional herbal remedies in modern medicine. With more research and larger trials on the horizon, the Adlay formula could eventually become a go-to solution for menstrual pain management.
The researchers concluded: “The dual benefits of warmth and anti-inflammatory action position this formula as a promising candidate for managing menstrual pain.
“However, further research is necessary to identify the precise bioactive components responsible for its effects and to evaluate its long-term efficacy in larger, more diverse populations. These efforts will not only refine its clinical applications but also advance personalized and non-pharmaceutical strategies for dysmenorrhea management.”
Source: Nutrients
“Impact of Adlay-Based Formula on Pain and Discomfort in Women with Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial”
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234026
Authors: Chiang Yi-Fen, et al.
