The impact of the Ginkgo Biloba tablet and aromatherapy inhaler combination on sexual function in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial

Introduction: Due to increased life expectancy and a growing elderly population, sexual and physical problems related to menopause are important from the health point of view. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Ginkgo Biloba tablet and aromatherapy inhaler combination (lavender, fennel and geranium and rose) in reduction of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women.Methods: This double blind randomized clinical trial study was done on 180 postmenopausal women at age range of 45-55 years referring to health centers in Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The subjects were randomly divided into three groups of 60: placebo aroma solution and Ginkgo Biloba tablet users, aroma solution with placebo Ginkgo Biloba users, and aroma placebo with placebo Ginkgo Biloba users who received 40 mg Ginkgo Biloba either in tablet or placebo and 2-3 drops of aroma solution or placebo on the skin, 3 times a day for 6 weeks. The data collection tool was a questionnaire included questions on the socio-demographical characteristics and female sexual function index (FSFI). The primary outcome was the mean score of sexual function after intervention in the study groups. The analysis was done based on intention-to-treat.Results: The mean (SD) total scores of sexual function at baseline in aromatherapy, Ginkgo Biloba and placebo groups were 18.4 (5.4), 17.5 (6.8) and 15.8 (5.7) that increased to 22.9 (3.3), 21.6 (4.5) and 17.2 (4.2) in the aroma, Ginkgo Biloba and placebo respectively after intervention. ANCOVA test showed significant differences after intervention in total scores (p <0.001) and all sub domains of sexual function (p<0.003) other than pain in Ginkgo Biloba and aromatherapy groups compared with placebo through controlling the effects of confounding variables.Conclusion: aromatherapy inhaler combination pill and Ginkgo Biloba improved sexual function in postmenopausal women.

Keywords:

sexual function , inhaler aromatherapy , Ginkgo Biloba tablet , menopause