Efficacy of Combined Herbal Capsule on Sexual Function in Postmenopausal Women: A Triple-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objectives: Considering the prevalence of sexual problems in postmenopausal women as well as complications of hormone therapy, the tendency to use complementary medicine has increased. The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of combined herbal drug on the sexual function of postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: The present triple-blinded randomized controlled trial was done on 64 Iranian women in 2017. The women were randomly allocated to 2 groups of intervention (combined herbal capsules users) and control (placebo users). Herbal capsules contained carnation, Anise, Anison, violets, Terminalia chebula, fresh green raisins, Senna leaves, Tangerine and Golqand. Participants in both groups took 2 capsules twice a day (before lunch and before dinner) for 4 weeks. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was filled out before the intervention and 4 weeks after the intervention. Results: No statistically significant difference was observed between the study groups in terms of socio-demographic properties, the total mean score of sexual function and its sub-domains before the intervention. Four weeks after the intervention, the total mean (SD) sexual function score was 26.99 (5.31) in the combined herbal capsule group and it was 18.35 (4.51) in the placebo group, so it was significantly higher in the combined herbal capsule group compared to the placebo group (adjusted mean difference=8.70; 95% CI=6.58-10.82). Moreover, there was a significant difference in the mean score of desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain subscales between study groups after the intervention. Conclusions: The results of the study show that taking combined herbal capsules improved sexual function in postmenopausal women. However, further studies are necessary to decide on its use as an alternative medication for the improvement of sexual function.