Effect of dill (Anethum Graveolens Linn) seed on the duration of labor: A systematic review

It is well documented that prolonged labor is associated with complications. This systematic review aimed to study the effect of Anethum Graveolens Linn (Dill) on the duration of labor. We conducted a search on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane central, Web of Science, and MEDLINE. All randomized controlled trials and observational studies evaluating the effect of Dill seeds on labor were recruited. The mean differences (MD) with 95% CI were calculated. Two RCTs showed that using Dill seeds could significantly reduce duration of the first stage (MD = −43.66, 95% CI [-52.99, - 34.33]), second stage (MD = −15.76, 95% CI [-20.06, −11.47]) and third stage of labor (MD = −1.79, 95% CI [-2.62, −0.95]). Two retrospective cohort studies showed a significant reduction in the first, and second stages of labor. Using Dill seeds could reduce the duration of labor. Using this herb in low-risk pregnant women is recommended. Systematic review registration number: CRD42020145225. •This systematic review aimed to study the effect of Dill on the duration of labor.•Boiled Dill seeds could significantly reduce duration of the first, second, and third stage of labor.•Using Dill seeds in Cohort studies, reduced the duration of the first, and second stages of labor.•All recruited studies were from Iran, and we could not find any other study in the literature.•The results of this study should be considered with caution due to the high level of heterogeneity in some analyses.