Comparison of Cinnamon and Vitex on Improving Sexual Function in Postmenopausal Women: A Triple-blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Sexual dysfunction is one of the most common problems following menopause. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cinnamon and vitex on improving sexual function in postmenopausal women. Methods: This study was a randomized triple-blind clinical trial with a control group. Randomized sampling was used to allocate postmenopausal women into three cinnamon, vitex, and placebo groups of 35. A sexual function index was utilized before and two and three months after the intervention to assess sexual functioning. SPSS version 21 software was used for analysis. Results: The mean age was 54.45 ± 3.73 years. The overall sexual function score in the two cinnamon and vitex groups showed a statistically significant difference before and after treatment compared to the placebo group (P < 0.00). In the vitex group, sexual desire (P = 0.00) and arousal (P = 0.02) increased significantly compared to pre-intervention, and this significant increase was observed in the cinnamon group in lubricity (P = 0.00) and sexual satisfaction (P = 0.03). Conclusions: Cinnamon and vitex are effective medicinal herbs to alleviate sexual function.