THE EFFICACY OF SALVIA OFFICINALIS IN ON PROMOTION OF SEXUAL FUNCTION IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN: A DOUBLE-BLIND RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL

Abstract

Menopause is a stage in women's life usually associated with sexual dysfunction. Estrogen plays a significant role in women's sexual well-being. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Salvia Officinalis extract on the sexual function of postmenopausal women. This was a double-blind randomized clinical trial on 66 eligible postmenopausal women referring to the Bone Density Measurement Center of Namazi Hospital in Shiraz, Iran in 2015. Subjects in the intervention and control groups daily received three tablets of Salvia Officinalis extract and a placebo, respectively. A sexual function questionnaire with domains of sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction was completed for them at the baseline and 3 months after the intervention. Data were analyzed with SPSS-21 software using paired t-test at a significance level of 0.05. The mean score of sexual function, sexual desire, orgasm, sexual satisfaction, and pain relief in the Salvia Officinalis group increased after the intervention by 4.6, 1.1, 0.9, 1.1, and 0.5 units, respectively, which were significantly different from those of the control group. However, the mean score of sexual arousal did not show a statistically significant difference (P= 0.082). Due to the positive effect of Salvia Officinalis on sexual performance scores, it is recommended to be used as a supplement during menopause. Although no significant side effects were observed, further studies are recommended.