The Effect of Korean Red Ginseng on Sexual Function in Premenopausal Women: Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Crossover Clinical Trial

Abstract EN

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 (from 20.13±2.87 to 23.98±4.10, p=0.015) and placebo treatment (from 20.06±2.64 to 23.78±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.