scholarly journals Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women: A Pilot Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Swati Dongre ◽  
Deepak Langade ◽  
Sauvik Bhattacharyya
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Withania Somnifera ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Root Extract ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Sexual Distress ◽  
Sexual Encounters ◽  
Distress Scale

Background.Many women experience sexual dysfunction where there are orgasm disorders and sexual difficulties. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a herb known to improve the body’s physical and psychological condition.Objective.The purpose of the study was to determine the efficacy and safety of a high-concentration ashwagandha root extract (HCARE) supplementation for improving sexual function in healthy females.Methods.In this pilot study, 50 study subjects were randomized to either (i) HCARE-treated group or (ii) placebo- (starch-) treated group. The subjects consumed either HCARE or placebo capsules of 300mg twice daily for 8 weeks. Sexual function was assessed using two psychometric scales, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) Questionnaire and the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS), and by the number of total and successful sexual encounters.Results.The analysis indicates that treatment with HCARE leads to significantly higher improvement, relative to placebo, in the FSFI Total score (p<0.001), FSFI domain score for “arousal” (p<0.001), “lubrication” (p<0.001), “orgasm” (p=0.004), and “satisfaction” (p<0.001), and also FSDS score (p<0.001) and the number of successful sexual encounters (p<0.001) at the end of the treatment.Conclusions.This study demonstrated that oral administration of HCARE may improve sexual function in healthy women. The present study is registered in the Clinical Trial Registry, Government of India, with a numberCTRI/2015/07/006045.

scholarly journals Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vijay R. Ambiye ◽  
Deepak Langade ◽  
Swati Dongre ◽  
Pradnya Aptikar ◽  
Madhura Kulkarni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Withania Somnifera ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Day Treatment ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Root Extract ◽  
Full Spectrum ◽  
Hormone Levels ◽  
Serum Hormone

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been described in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine as an aphrodisiac that can be used to treat male sexual dysfunction and infertility. This pilot study was conducted to evaluate the spermatogenic activity of Ashwagandha root extract in oligospermic patients. Forty-six male patients with oligospermia (sperm count < 20 million/mL semen) were enrolled and randomized either to treatment (n=21) with a full-spectrum root extract of Ashwagandha (675 mg/d in three doses for 90 days) or to placebo (n=25) in the same protocol. Semen parameters and serum hormone levels were estimated at the end of 90-day treatment. There was a 167% increase in sperm count (9.59 ± 4.37 × 106/mL to 25.61 ± 8.6 × 106/mL;P<0.0001), 53% increase in semen volume (1.74 ± 0.58 mL to 2.76 ± 0.60 mL;P<0.0001), and 57% increase in sperm motility (18.62 ± 6.11% to 29.19 ± 6.31%;P<0.0001) on day 90 from baseline. The improvement in these parameters was minimal in the placebo-treated group. Furthermore, a significantly greater improvement and regulation were observed in serum hormone levels with the Ashwagandha treatment as compared to the placebo. The present study adds to the evidence on the therapeutic value of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), as attributed in Ayurveda for the treatment of oligospermia leading to infertility.

scholarly journals Impact of an Educational Program on Sexual Issues among Cervical Cancer Survivors' Women in Northern Upper Egypt

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 01-15
Author(s):  
Hanan Elzeblawy Hassan ◽  
Ragaa Mohammed ◽  
Soad Ramadan ◽  
Hagar Masaud
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Educational Program ◽  
Gynecological Cancer ◽  
Upper Egypt ◽  
Sexual Distress ◽  
Distress Scale ◽  
The Impact

Background: Sexuality is an important part of normal human functioning. Gynecological cancer and its treatments can affect one or more phases of the sexual response cycle, through alterations of sexual function. Sexual dysfunction is one of the most distressful symptoms among cervical cancer survivors. Sexual distress is a broad term encompassing any sexual discomfort and dysfunction. Sexual difficulties following cervical cancer can be stressful for couples as it can feel like a core part of the relationship has disappeared. Aim: The study is conducted to evaluate the impact of an educational program on sexual issues (sexual dysfunction & sexual distress) among cervical cancer survivors' women in Northern Upper Egypt. Methods; Design: A quasi-experimental design. Setting: out-patient clinic in the oncology unit at Beni-Suef University Hospital. Subjects: A purposive sample of 70 women. Tools: structured interviewing questionnaire sheet, female sexual function index, and female sexual distress scale. Results: The results of the study revealed regression of all items of women’s sexual distress scores, and progression of all items of women’s sexual items post-program compared to pre-one. Conclusion: The teaching program was very effective in improving sexuality among cervical cancer survivors' women. Recommendations: Disseminate the educational booklet at health centers and oncology outpatients. Integrate psychologist, psychosexual specialist, and social worker in treatment and counseling program for women with cervical cancer in the early stage of their treatment.

Nicht-Interventionelle Studie zum Einfluss eines Damiana-Präparates auf die Verbesserung der Symptomatik des Mangels oder Verlusts von sexuellem Verlangen bei Frauen

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (05) ◽  
pp. 241-248
Author(s):  
Andre-Robert Rotmann ◽  
Neele Mordhorst ◽  
Thomas Klein ◽  
Annette Kassen
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Function ◽  
Klinische Studien ◽  
Female Sexual Function Index ◽  
Female Sexual Function ◽  
Sexual Distress ◽  
Function Index ◽  
Turnera Diffusa ◽  
Distress Scale

ZusammenfassungBlattextrakte von Damiana (Turnera diffusa) werden in der Therapie des Mangels oder Verlusts von sexuellem Verlangen eingesetzt. Zur Erhebung der Veränderung der empfundenen klinischen Symptomatik wurde eine multizentrische, nicht-interventionelle Studie (NIS) bei Frauen (n=70) durchgeführt. Nach achtwöchiger Einnahme eines pflanzlichen Arzneimittels mit Damiana-Extrakt (675 mg täglich) zeigten die Patientinnen (n=35; 46,1±10,9 Jahre) eine signifikante Zunahme beim weiblichen sexuellen Funktionsindex (Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-d); p<0,01) und dessen Domänen. Währenddessen sank der Score der weiblichen sexuellen Belastungsskala (Female Sexual Distress Scale–Revised (FSDS-R)) signifikant (p<0,01) bei tendenzieller Zunahme der Lebensqualität (Münchner Lebensqualitäts-Dimensionen Liste (MLDL)). Die Ergebnisse der NIS legen nahe, dass das Arzneimittel einen positiven Beitrag auf die individuelle Symptomatik sowie den empfundenen persönlichen Leidensdruck leisten kann und können daher als Basis für konfirmatorische klinische Studien dienen.

Effects of cold stress, alprazolam and phytomedicine in combination with stress on blood glucose and haematogical parameter of the male albino rat

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
pp. 37-44
Author(s):  
Piyasi Bhattacharjee ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Blood Glucose Level ◽  
Cold Stress ◽  
Glucose Level ◽  
Withania Somnifera ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Root Extract ◽  
Albino Rat

The present study conducted to investigate the haematological changes and changes of blood glucose level in male albino rat due to cold stress. In this experiment normal 12:12 light dark phases were maintained for all the groups. Control group was kept at normal room temperature (22 ± 1). A (4°C), B in (0°C), C (4°C and 0.30 mg alprazolam / kg body weight /animal), D (0°C and 0.30 mg alprazolam/ kg body weight/ animal. E2 group was treated with (4°C and 1000 mg/kg body weight methanolic extract of Withania somnifera root extract /animal). F2 group was treated with (0°C and 1000 mg/kg body weight methanolic root extract of Withania somnifera / animal). The blood glucose level was significantly increased in stressed rats compared to the control animals. The results were also consistent with the exposure to the stress and chronic restraint stress. Action of Alprazolam over cold stress treated group significantly reduced the blood glucose level. Whereas methanolic root extract of Withania somnifera in low and high doses also showed significant effects to the control anxiety like effects on blood glucose level. Alprazolam + different stress treated groups in different experiment at conditions show significant changes in its haematological parameters in comparison to the stress treated group. Whereas herbal medicine (i.e., methanolic root extract of Withania somnifera) when applied to different stress treated group showed more significant result, compared to the Alprazolam+ different stress treated groups. The positive safe anti stress effects of the herbal plant medicine prove that the tribal medicines have the potentiality to act effectively and can be used as safe medicine for antistress purposes.

scholarly journals Female Sexual Dysfunction in Primary Adrenal Insufficiency

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (13) ◽  
pp. 2767
Author(s):  
Virginia Zamponi ◽  
Pina Lardo ◽  
Roberta Maggio ◽  
Chiara Simonini ◽  
Rossella Mazzilli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Replacement Therapy ◽  
Female Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Primary Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Healthy Women ◽  
Sexual Distress ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
Distress Scale

Purpose. No data are currently available on female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) and the possible impact of replacement therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of FSD and sexual distress (SD), and to evaluate the possible impact of replacement therapy on sexuality in women with PAI. Methods. Female Sexual Function Index-6 (FSFI-6) and Sexual Distress Scale (SDS) questionnaires were administered to 22 women with PAI and 23 healthy women matched for age as controls. Results. The prevalence of sexual symptoms measured by FSFI-6 (total score < 19) was significantly higher in women with PAI (15/22; 68.2%) compared to the controls (2/23; 8.7%; p = 0.001). Regarding the questionnaire items, significantly different scores were found for desire (p < 0.001), arousal (p = 0.0006), lubrication (p = 0.046) and overall sexual satisfaction (p < 0.0001) in women with PAI compared to the controls. The rate of FSD (FSFI < 19 with SDS >15) was 60% in patients with PAI. A significant inverse correlation was found between FSFI-6 total scores and SD (r = −0.65; p = 0.0011), while a significant direct correlation was found between FSFI-6 total scores and serum cortisol levels (r = 0.55; p = 0.035). Conclusions. A higher prevalence of FSD was found in women affected by PAI compared to healthy women. Desire seems to be the most impaired aspect of sexual function. Moreover, sexual dysfunction in this population seems to be related to sexual distress and cortisol levels.

scholarly journals Effect of Withania somnifera Extracts on Some Selective Biochemical, Hematological, and Immunological Parameters in Guinea Pigs Experimental Infected with E. coli

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed El-Sayed El-Boshy ◽  
Osama Mohamed Abdalla ◽  
Angy Risha ◽  
Fatma Moustafa
Keyword(s):  
Guinea Pigs ◽  
Withania Somnifera ◽  
Oral Treatment ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Root Extract ◽  
Immunological Parameters ◽  
Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽  
E Coli

Fifty 1-2-month-old Guinea pigs were divided into 5 equal groups, 10 each. Control (Gp1) did receive neither viable bacteria nor treatment. Each animal from the other groups (Gp2–5) was challenged with (1-2 × 108) viable E. coli in 200 μL normal saline (0.9%) through IP route. GP2 infected group was treated with 200 μL saline IP and kept as positive control group. Gp3-4 are infected and treated with Withania somnifera (ethanol root extract) with doses 50 and 100 mg/kg. BW, respectively. Gp5 infected treated group was treated with cefoperazone antibiotic at dose 35 mg/Kg BW. The treatment by drug or the extracted medicinal plant was started 72 h after infection for 7 successive days. Serum and whole blood sample were collected from all groups 14 days after treatment to evaluate some hematological and biochemical changes as well as immunomodulatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Oral treatment of the plant extract caused significant benefit results in infected Guinea pig appeared in the correction of some hematological and biochemical parameters also try to suppressed inflammatory cytokine response represent in TNF-α. It could be concluded that W. somnifera extract has potent antibacterial activity, and this appears in the correction with hematological, biochemical, and immunological results.

scholarly journals Psychometric validation of the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Desire/Arousal/Orgasm

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonard R. Derogatis ◽  
Dennis A. Revicki ◽  
Raymond C. Rosen ◽  
Robert Jordan ◽  
Johna Lucas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Function ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Sexual Distress ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Test Retest Reliability ◽  
Distress Scale

Abstract Background For the treatment of female sexual dysfunction, the most relevant outcome measures are patient-reported treatment effects and changes in symptoms, underscoring the need for reliable, validated patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric characteristics (validity and reliability) of the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Desire/Arousal/Orgasm (FSDS-DAO) PRO measure, which was adapted from the validated FSDS-Revised (FSDS-R) questionnaire and added 2 questions involving arousal and orgasm. Methods Psychometric analyses were based on the data from a multicenter phase 2b dose-finding study that compared the safety and efficacy of bremelanotide versus placebo and were conducted in the evaluable modified intent-to-treat population (N = 325) from that study. Psychometric evaluation of the new items in the FSDS-DAO included confirmatory factor analyses, tests of internal consistency and test–retest reliability, examinations of convergent and discriminant validity, and determination of responsiveness. The validity of the FSDS-DAO was evaluated based on previously developed instruments, including the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), General Assessment Questionnaire (GAQ), Women’s Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (WITS-9), and Female Sexual Encounter Profile-Revised (FSEP-R). Results Confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated that the FSDS-DAO items fit very well (Bentler’s comparative fit index of 0.929). Cronbach’s α for the FSDS-DAO total score was ≥ 0.91 at Visits 1, 2, 5, and 12, demonstrating adequate internal consistency reliability. Test–retest reliability was acceptable with an intra-class coefficient of 0.61 and a Spearman’s correlation coefficient score of 0.62 between Visits 1 and 2 (4 weeks). Acceptable construct validity was demonstrated by significant correlations with related PRO scales in the expected directions and magnitude. For example, participants reporting the worst levels of sexual function on the FSFI also showed the worst FSDS-DAO scores at Visits 5 and 12. The FSDS-DAO total score was responsive to change. Conclusions Evidence supports the validity and reliability of the FSDS-DAO for assessing sexually related distress in women with female sexual arousal disorder and/or hypoactive sexual desire disorder; the addition of the arousal and orgasm items did not impact the validity and reliability of the measure. Clinical Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01382719.

scholarly journals A Practical Solution for Dyspareunia in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (30) ◽  
pp. 3394-3400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martha F. Goetsch ◽  
Jeong Y. Lim ◽  
Aaron B. Caughey
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Median Score ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Sexual Distress ◽  
Distress Scale

Purpose Dyspareunia is common in breast cancer survivors because of low estrogen. This study explored whether dyspareunia is introital pain, preventable with analgesic liquid. Patients and Methods In a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial, estrogen-deficient breast cancer survivors with severe penetrative dyspareunia applied either saline or 4% aqueous lidocaine to the vulvar vestibule for 3 minutes before vaginal penetration. After a 1-month blinded trial of patient-assessed twice-per-week tampon insertion or intercourse, all patients received lidocaine for 2 months in an open-label trial. The primary outcome was patient-related assessment of penetration pain on a scale of zero to 10. Secondary outcomes were sexual distress (Female Sexual Distress Scale), sexual function (Sexual Function Questionnaire), and resumption of intercourse. Comparisons were made with the Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon signed rank test with significance set at P < .05. Results In all, 46 patients, screened to exclude those with pelvic muscle and organ pain, uniformly had clinical evidence of severe vulvovaginal atrophy, dyspareunia (median pain score, 8 of 10; interquartile range [IQR], 7 to 9), increased sexual distress scores (median, 30.5; IQR, 23 to 37; abnormal, > 11), and abnormal sexual function. Users of lidocaine reported less pain during intercourse in the blinded phase (median score of 1.0 compared with saline score of 5.3; P = .007). After open-label lidocaine use, 37 (90%) of 41 reported comfortable penetration. Sexual distress decreased (median score, 14; IQR, 3 to 20; P < .001), and sexual function improved in all but one domain. Of 20 prior abstainers from intercourse who completed the study, 17 (85%) had resumed comfortable penetrative intimacy. No partners reported penile numbness. Conclusion Breast cancer survivors with menopausal dyspareunia can have comfortable intercourse after applying liquid lidocaine compresses to the vulvar vestibule before penetration.

Costs of pleasure and the benefits of pain: self-perceived genital sensation, anatomy and sexual dysfunction

Sexual Health ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 63
Author(s):  
Nina Callens ◽  
Guy Bronselaer ◽  
Petra De Sutter ◽  
Griet De Cuypere ◽  
Guy T'Sjoen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Sexual Experience ◽  
Sexual Pleasure ◽  
P Value ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Sexual Distress ◽  
Distress Scale ◽  
Genital Sensation

Background Research has highlighted the complex association between female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and distress regarding sexual activity, with decreased physical pleasure being an important mediator. The current study aims to elucidate the association between pleasurable and painful genital sensitivity and FSD, and to further investigate whether FSD may be distressing because it prevents the experience of sexual pleasure, induces pain or both. Methods: Sexually active women (n = 256; median, 22 years; range, 18–49 years) completed web-based questionnaires, including the Self-Assessment of Genital Anatomy and Sexual Function, the Female Sexual Function Index and the Female Sexual Distress Scale. Results: Women reported their clitoris to be more sensitive than their vagina in terms of having more pleasurable responses (P < 0.001), but not more painful responses (P = 0.49). In women with FSD (n = 36), impaired self-perceived genital sensation was found: they reported significantly less sexual pleasure and orgasm intensity, and more orgasm effort and discomfort within the clitoral and vaginal area than women without FSD (n = 220) (P-value < 0.05). The odds of having FSD were significantly greater in women with perceived increased discomfort in the vaginal area during stimulation (odds ratio = 5.59, P = 0.009, 95% confidence interval: 1.53–20.39), but not in the clitoral area. Conclusions: The data provide evidence of the relevance of self-perceived genital sensitivity to sexual pleasure and overall sexual experience. Enhancing the pleasurableness of genital sensations, especially during partnered sex, could decrease the likelihood of experiencing pain and concomitant FSD.

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