Impact of Rosa damascena extract capsule on the sexual function of menopausal women: A randomized clinical trial

•Rosa damascena contains effective compounds that have given it various properties, including Phyto-estrogenic properties.•The use of Rosa damascena extract capsules improved sexual function of menopausal women.•Rosa damascena has positive effect on desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain during intercourse on menopausal women. Although the prevalence of sexual dysfunction is high in menopausal women and it can cause many problems for them, it has been largely overlooked. The present study aimed to determine the effect of Rosa damascena extract capsules on the sexual function of menopausal women. This randomized, triple blinded clinical trial was conducted on 82 menopausal women who were randomly divided into two groups. In the intervention group, women took a capsule of Rosa damascena extract every 12 h for 8 weeks, while women in the placebo group took similar capsules without medicinal effects. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was evaluated before and after the intervention (4 and 8 weeks). The data were analyzed by SPSS software and statistical tests such as independent t-test, Mann‒Whitney U test, and Chi-square, with a significance level of 0.05. The use of Rosa damascena extract capsules significantly improved the total FSFI score four (P = 0.016) and eight weeks after the intervention (P < 0.001). The positive changes in FSFI domains in the intervention group were as follows: arousal, lubrication, satisfaction, and pain during intercourse four and eight weeks after the intervention. Additionally, desire and orgasm significantly increased eight weeks after the intervention (P < 0.05). The results of this study indicate that Rosa damascena can improve sexual function in menopausal women. However, further studies are needed.