Effect of Sharbat-i-Anar Sheerin (pomegranate juice) in nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: A pre- and post-interventional study

Background: Qay’al-hamal (Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy) is the most common gastrointestinal symptom of pregnancy, occurring in 80-85% of all pregnancies during the first trimester. The severity of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) affects both the mother and foetus. Aims and Objectives: The objective planned for the study was to evaluate the effect of Sharbat-i-Anar Sheerin (Pomegranate Juice) in NVP. Materials and Methods: An open observational study was carried out in the Dept. of Ilmul Qabalat wa Amraze Niswan, National Institute of Unani Medicine Hospital, Bengaluru. Pregnant women 18-35 years of age, having singleton pregnancy in 6-12 weeks of gestational age with NVP (n=30) were included based on mild to moderate Pregnancy Unique Quantification of Emesis (PUQE-24) score and patients with severe NVP, systemic diseases, multiple gestation, ectopic and molar pregnancy were excluded. Sharbat-i-Anar Sheerin (20 ml) twice daily was administered orally on empty stomach for four weeks. The main outcome measure was a reduction in PUQE score. Results: 96.7% of pregnant women achieved a reduction in PUQE score and only 3.3% had no reduction. Mean±SD of PUQE score before, during treatment (on 1st and 2nd follow up), and after treatment (on 1st and 2nd follow up) was 7.73±1.66, 6.03±1.83, 4.97±1.75, 4.13±1.25, 3.7±0.95 respectively (P <0.001). Conclusion: This trial provides evidence of improved effectiveness and safety of Sharbat-i-Anar Sheerin in women with NVP. Moreover, no adverse effect of the research drug was noted during the trial.