The effect of Ginseng on sexual dysfunction in menopausal women: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background and purpose: With an increase in life expectancy, the population of menopausal and elderly is growing. In this period, chronic and multifactorial diseases are highly prevalent; one of the issues that is underestimated in this regard is the sexual problems of these senior citizens of the communities. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ginsing on sexual function (primary outcome) and quality of life and menopausal symptoms (secondary outcomes) in postmenopausal women aged 45-60 years with sexual dysfunction. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 62 postmenopausal women ages 45-60 years old referring to community health centers in Tabriz. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups of intervention and control using block randomization.intervention group received ginseng 500 mg twice daily for four weeks and control group received placebo with the same protocol. Standard questionnaires of Female Sexual Function Index, Menopause-Specific Quality of Life and Greene Climacteric Scale were completed before and 4 weeks after intervention. Sexual dysfunction was diagnosed based on 28> FSFI. For comparing information between the two groups were used Covariance, Fisher exact, and T-independent and Chi-square tests. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of socio-demographic characteristics and basic scores of sexual function, quality of life and menopausal symptoms (P<0.05). Four weeks after intervention, the mean score of Female Sexual Function Index (Adjusted Mean Difference=3.56, 95% CI=1.58 to 5.54, P<0.001) was significantly higher in the intervention group compare to the control group. Mean score of overall quality of life (-10.74, -3.36 to -1.33, P<0.001) and menopausal symptoms (-8.17, -0.21 to -6.13, P<0.001) in treatment group were significantly lower than the control group. Conclusions: The results of this study indicated that ginsing has a significant effect on sexual function, quality of life, and the reduction of menopausal symptoms. Therefore, Ginsing as a multi-potential plant can be a good alternative option instead of conventional treatments in relieving menopausal symptoms and promoting the quality of life on postmenopausal women.