The effect of soft oral capsule of rose oil on sexual dysfunction in women of reproductive age: A randomised clinical trial

Abstract

IntroductionSexual dysfunction is defined as a disorder occurring at any stage of the sexual cycle which results in distress or interpersonal disturbances. The aim of this trial was to determine the effect of oral rose oil on sexual dysfunction in women of reproductive age. MethodsThis triple-blind randomized placebo controlled clinical trial (RCT) was conducted on 80 women referred to Tehran University of Medical Sciences clinics. Women with sexual dysfunction were randomly assigned to either the rose oil or the placebo group. In the rose oil group, women consumed two soft capsules containing 15 mg of rose oil daily for eight weeks. Women in the placebo group took a placebo containing sunflower oil, daily for eight weeks. Data collected included demographic information, and completion of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The FSFI questionnaire was completed before the beginning of the study, at the end of week four, and at the end of the study. Data were analysed using SPSS-16 software. ResultsThe average female sexual function score in the rose oil group was significantly improved within eight weeks after intervention (26.7 ± 5.13) compared to the beginning of the study (20.90 ± 3.34) (P < 0.001). The difference was not significant for the control group at any time (P = 0.320). The difference in the mean score of the female sexual function index between the intervention and the control group at the end of the study was statistically significant (P < 0.001). ConclusionThis study suggests that the daily consumption of soft capsules containing rose essential oil for eight weeks can improve female sexual function in women of reproductive age.This clinical trial was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (No.: IRCT2017051333951N1).