The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility

The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility

Effect of oral saffron on sexual function of postmenopausal women: a clinical trial study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mahbubeh Tabatabaeichehr 1
Sakineh Nazari 2
Maryam Bagheri 2
Ida Niazi 3
Zohreh Abassi 4
Maryam Soltani 5
Kataneh Kazemi 6
Mahboubeh Ghorbani 2
1 Instructor, Department of Midwifery, Gerontological Care Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
2 Instructor, Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran.
3 M.Sc. of Midwifery Counseling, Bent Al Hoda Hospital, Bojnurd, Iran.
4 Assistant Professor, Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sience, Bojnurd, Iran.
5 M.Sc. in Midwifery, Bent al Hoda Hospital, Bojnurd, Iran.
6 Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran.
10.22038/ijogi.2020.15552
Abstract
Introduction: Sexual function is a part of human behavior and life that the rate of sexual dysfunction disorder in post-menopausal period is 72%. Saffron has sexual stimulation effect due to its ingredients such as Crocin and Safranal. This study was performed with aim to evaluate the effect of oral saffron on sexual function of postmenopausal women.
Methods: This double-blind clinical trial was performed on 67 postmenopausal women in Bojnourd in 2016-2017. Eligible postmenopausal women daily received one saffron capsule or placebo for 28 days. Female Sexual Function Index was completed before using capsule and 4 consecutive weeks after the intervention. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 16) and paired t-test and independent t-test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The mean sexual function scores in saffron group before and after using saffron were 13.5 ± 8.7 and 18.8 ± 7.6, respectively. The results of paired t-test showed that sexual function was improved (p< 0.001). But, in the control group, no change in sexual function was observed before and after the intervention (p= 0.563). There were no side effects about use of saffron in any of the research subjects
Conclusion: Due to the significant improvement in sexual function with the use of saffron capsules, it is recommended to use saffron as an oral supplement in post-menopausal period.
Keywords
Post-menopausal women
Oral Saffron
Sexual function
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The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility
Volume 22, Issue 12
February 2020
Pages 46-53