Beneficial effects of natural products on female sexual dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Sha'ari N, Woon LS, Sidi H, Das S
Published in Phytomedicine
Methodology
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 trials of natural products for female sexual dysfunction, searched across MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CENTRAL (2000-2020)
Key Findings
Tribulus terrestris improved overall female sexual function (SMD 1.12, 95% CI 0.46-1.79) and the arousal (SMD 1.03), desire (SMD 1.08) and orgasm (SMD 0.51) domains versus placebo. Panax ginseng improved arousal (SMD 0.54, 95% CI 0.11-0.97) and desire (SMD 0.59, 95% CI 0.27-0.90). Trifolium pratense showed no significant difference.
Conclusions
Some botanicals, notably Tribulus terrestris and Panax ginseng, show measurable benefit for female sexual arousal and desire, but the underlying trials are small and heterogeneous.
Limitations
Few and small primary trials, varied preparations and doses, high heterogeneity, short follow-up
Supplements Studied
Panax ginseng was found to be effective in treating sexual arousal (SMD = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.11 - 0.97, p = 0.014) and sexual desire (SMD = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.27 - 0.90, p < 0.001)
Tribulus terrestris showed a significant positive effect in improving overall female sexual function (SMD = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.46 - 1.79, p = 0.001)
Outcomes Measured
Tribulus terrestris showed a significant positive effect in improving overall female sexual function (SMD = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.46 - 1.79, p = 0.001) and individual sexual arousal (SMD = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.22 - 1.84, p = 0.013)
Study Details
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