The Effect of Panax ginseng on Genitourinary Syndrome in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Menopause and estrogen deprivation cause a rise in the number of urogenital tract complaints. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of ginseng on genitourinary syndrome. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This randomized trial was conducted on 60 postmenopausal women with genitourinary syndrome. The participants were randomly allocated to ginseng and placebo groups twice daily for 4 weeks. Vaginal maturation index and vaginal pH were evaluated before and 4 weeks after intervention as the primary outcomes. Also, the atrophic vaginitis and incontinence questionnaires were completed before and after intervention as the secondary outcomes. The safety of intervention was assessed by the side effects checklist. <b><i>Results:</i></b> No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in objective symptoms after the intervention, but the difference was statistically significant (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001) in terms of subjective symptoms of atrophic vaginitis. One case of insomnia and palpitation and 2 cases of hot flashes were reported in the intervention group, and 1 case of gastric discomfort and change in urine appearance was reported in the placebo group. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Ginseng only improved the patient-assessed symptoms and had no significant effect on the clinician-assessed outcomes. Further studies are required to determine the precise pharmacological mechanisms of ginseng on genitourinary syndrome.