Effectiveness of Cyperus scariosus and Boswellia serrata on quality of life in women with stress urinary incontinence assessed with ICIQ-SF -

Objective: To investigate and compare the efficacy of oleo-gum-resin of root of Cyperus scariosus and Boswellia serrata with placebo in improving health related quality of life (HRQOL) in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Methods: A parallel, randomized placebo-controlled, single-blind, pre- and post-test trial was conducted in the National Institute of Unani Medicine Hospital. The patients (n = 60) were randomly allocated to either test (n = 30) or control group (n = 30). In the test and placebo group, equal quantity of C.scariosus and B.serrata (4 g powder in two divided doses) plus pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and placebo plus PFMT, respectively, was given for 8 weeks. The outcome was to assess HRQOL by International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF). Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon Matched paired, Chi-square or Fisher Exact tests were used to analyze the results. Results: The mean ICIQ-SF score in the test and control group at baseline was 10.2 ± 0.96 and 10.13 ± 0.89 respectively. At post-intervention, statistically significant improvement was recorded in the ICIQ-SF scores between groups. In addition, within the group comparison was statistically significant in both groups at each follow up. The percentage improvement from baseline at 12 weeks was 70% and 53% in the test and control groups, respectively. No adverse effects were noted. Conclusion: The test group yielded a more positive effect with regards to improvement in HRQOL than control group in women with stress urinary incontinence. Hence, test drugs plus PFMT appear to be a better alternative than PFMT alone.