A comparison of the effect of aromatherapy with Jasmine (Jasminum) and clary sage (Salvia officinalis) on sexual dysfunction in women of reproductive age: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Abstract

Background: Sexual dysfunction affects various aspects of life. Aromatherapy is easier and less risky than other methods of taking herbal medicines. Against this backdrop, this study aims to compare the effect of aromatherapy with Jasminum and Salvia officinalis on sexual dysfunction in women of reproductive age.

Materials and methods: This triple-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 168 women aged 15 to 45 who were referred to Rafsanjan Comprehensive Health Services Center no. 1 from February 2022 to June 2022, using a systematic sampling method. Individuals with an FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index) score of less than 28 were randomly assigned to 4 aromatherapy groups of Jasminum and Salvia officinalis as well as sweet almond (placebo) and control. The aromatherapy groups used the relevant aroma twice a day for 6 weeks, yet the control group received no intervention. After the completion of the intervention, the FSFI questionnaire was filled in once again by all participants. Besides, data analysis was conducted using the SPSS software, Chi-squared test, Fisher's test, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, Wilcoxon test, and a paired samples t-test. In addition, a P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The median (IQR) score of sexual function before the intervention in Jasminum, Salvia officinalis, sweet almond, and control groups was 25.50 (21.27-82.25), 25.80 (20.27-57.50), 25.00 (23.27-10.10), and 25.90 (23.26-92.42), respectively. After the intervention, the score was 28.30 (25.30-60.45), 28.45 (25.31-90.12), 29.00 (27.30-10.80), and 25.35 (23.26-27.32) in the abovementioned groups, respectively. The comparison of the median score of sexual function in the four groups after the intervention showed a statistically significant difference between Jasminum, Salvia officinalis, and sweet almond groups with the control group (P < 0.001). Additionally, the effect of Salvia officinalis was higher than that of Jasminum in the domains of mental arousal, lubrication, and sexual pain (P < 0.0125).

Conclusions: Both aromas, i.e., Jasminum and Salvia officinalis, were effective in improving sexual dysfunction in women of reproductive age. The effect of Salvia officinalis was better than that of Jasminum in the domains of mental arousal, lubrication, and sexual pain. More studies are recommended to be conducted in this field.