Assessment of the Effects of Tribulus Terrestris on Sexual Function of Menopausal Women

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#aged #double-blind-method #female #humans #menopause

Assessment of the Effects of Tribulus Terrestris on Sexual Function of Menopausal Women

Postigo et al., 2016 | Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet | Rct

Citation

Postigo Sóstenes, Lima Sônia Maria Rolim Rosa, ... Aoki Tsutomu. Assessment of the Effects of Tribulus Terrestris on Sexual Function of Menopausal Women. Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2016-Mar;38(3):140-6. doi:10.1055/s-0036-1571472

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to study the effects of Tribulus terrestris on sexual function in menopausal women. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial that included 60 postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction. The women were divided into two groups, placebo group and Tribulus group, and evaluated by using the Sexual Quotient-female version (SQ-F) and Female Intervention Efficacy Index (FIEI) questionnaires. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in age, age at menopause, civil status, race, and religion. In the evaluation with the SQ-F questionnaire, there were significant differences between the placebo (7.6 ± 3.2) and Tribulus (10.2 ± 3.2) groups in the domains of desire and sexual interest (p ≤ 0.001), foreplay (3.3 ± 1.5 versus 4.2 ± 1.0) (p ≤ 0.01), arousal and harmonious interaction with the partner (5.7 ± 2.1 versus 7.2 ± 2.6) (p ≤ 0.01), and comfort in sexual intercourse (6.5 ± 2.4 versus 8.0 ± 1.9) (p ≤ 0.01). There was no significant difference between the placebo and Tribulus groups in the domains of orgasm and sexual satisfaction (p = 0.28). In the FIEI questionnaire, there was a significant improvement (p < 0.001) in the domains of vaginal lubrication during coitus and/or foreplay (20 versus 83.3%), sensation in the genitalia during sexual intercourse or other stimuli (16.7 versus 76.7%), sensation in the genital region (20 versus 70%), sexual intercourse and/or other sexual stimulations (13.3 versus 43.3%), and the ability to reach orgasm (20% versus 73.3%). There was no significant difference in adverse effects between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: After 90 days of treatment, at the doses used, we found Tribulus terrestris to be effective in treating sexual problems among menopausal women.

Key Findings

There was no significant difference between the groups in age, age at menopause, civil status, race, and religion. In the evaluation with the SQ-F questionnaire, there were significant differences between the placebo (7.6 ± 3.2) and Tribulus (10.2 ± 3.2) groups in the domains of desire and sexual interest (p ≤ 0.001), foreplay (3.3 ± 1.5 versus 4.2 ± 1.0) (p ≤ 0.01), arousal and harmonious interaction with the partner (5.7 ± 2.1 versus 7.2 ± 2.6) (p ≤ 0.01), and comfort in sexual intercourse (6.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 60
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Aged
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Menopause
  • Middle Aged
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Extracts
  • Prospective Studies
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological
  • Tribulus

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: tribulus-fertility

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09