Effect of grape seed extract ointment on cesarean section wound healing: A double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial

Background: and purpose: Complications of the delayed recovery of cesarean section (CS) wound can include stress, discomfort, and dissatisfaction of the mother in the postpartum period. This study tried to determine the effect of grape seed extract ointment on CS wound healing. Materials and methods: This is a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial incorporating 129 women eligible for CS in eastern Iran. Participants were selected through convenience sampling method and were subsequently randomly assigned into three groups: 2.5% grape seed extract ointment, 5% grape seed extract ointment, and petrolatum. CS wound healing indices were assessed before the intervention, and 6 and 14 days after the intervention using the REEDA scale (redness, edema, ecchymosis, discharge, and approximation). Results: The mean scores on days 6 and 14 after intervention were respectively 2.02 +/- 0.52 and 0.98 +/- 0.61 in the 5% ointment group, 2.83 +/- 0.54 and 1.58 +/- 0.67 in the 2.5% ointment group, and 2.91 +/- 0.51 and 1.55 +/- 0.74 in the petrolatum group. While the mean score in the 5% ointment group was significantly different from those of 2.5% ointment and petrolatum groups (P < 0.001), the mean score in the 2.5% ointment group was not significantly different from that of the petrolatum group on days 6 and 14 after intervention (P=0.38 and P=0.79, respectively). Conclusion: The current results suggest that 5% grape seed extract may have beneficial therapeutic effects in promoting CS wound healing.