The Effect of Korean Red Ginseng on Sexual Function in Premenopausal Women: Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Crossover Clinical Trial. (22nd December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chung, Ho Seok; Hwang, Insang; Oh, Kyung Jin; Lee, Mi Na; Park, Kwangsung
• Other Names: Mischoulon David Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine. Volume 2015(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-12-22
• Subjects: Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; 615.505
• DOI: 10.1155/2015/913158
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1741-427X

Abstract

Abstract : This study investigated whether Korean red ginseng (KRG) extracts could improve sexual function in premenopausal women. Forty-one premenopausal women participated in this placebo-controlled, double-blind, and crossover clinical study with administration of either three ginseng capsules (1 g per capsule) or placebo daily. After 8 weeks of medication of KRG or placebo, medication was changed for the subjects to placebo or KRG after 2 weeks of washout period. The efficacy of KRG extracts was measured by using Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Results . Twenty-three women completed the study. Total FSFI scores increased after KRG treatment (from20.13 ± 2.87 to23.98 ± 4.10, p = 0.015 ) and placebo treatment (from20.06 ± 2.64 to23.78 ± 3.28, p = 0.003 ). However, this change was not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.702 ). KRG treatment significantly improved sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction domains; however, there was no treatment effect compared with placebo. There was a case of gastric discomfort after taking KRG extracts. Oral administration of KRG extracts improved sexual function in premenopausal women; however, there were no statistical significant changes compared to placebo. It implies that KRG extracts have a substantial placebo effect in premenopausal women with sexual dysfunction.