Rosa damascena oil improves SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction in male patients suffering from major depressive disorders: results from a double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Background: A substantial disadvantage of psychopharmacological treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) with selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is the impact on sexual dysfunction. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the oil of Rosa damascena can have a positive influence on SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction (SSRI-I SD) of male patients who are suffering from MDD and are being treated with SSRIs.

Method: In a double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled clinical trial, a total of 60 male patients treated with an SSRI and suffering from MDD (mean age =32 years) and SSRI-I SD were randomly assigned to take either verum (R. damascena oil) or a placebo. Patients completed self-ratings of depression and sexual function at baseline, at 4 weeks later, and at the end of the study, 8 weeks after it started.

Results: Over time, sexual dysfunction improved more in the verum group than in the control group. Improvements were observed in the verum group from week 4 to week 8. Self-rated symptoms of depression reduced over time in both groups, but did so more so in the verum group than in the control group.

Conclusion: This double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled clinical trial showed that the administration of R. damascena oil ameliorates sexual dysfunction in male patients suffering from both MDD and SSRI-I SD. Further, the symptoms of depression reduced as sexual dysfunction improved.

Keywords: Rosa damascena oil; SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction; major depressive disorder; selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors; sexual dysfunction.

Figure 1

CONSORT diagram showing the flow of participants through each stage. Abbreviations: n, number of subjects; CONSORT, Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials.

Figure 2

Comparison of sexual function between verum and placebo groups. Notes: Over time, sexual dysfunction improved significantly more in the verum (Rosa damascena oil) group than in the placebo group. Points are means, and bars are standard errors.

Figure 3

Comparison of BDI scores between verum and placebo groups. Notes: Over time, symptoms of depression (BDI scores) decreased significantly more in the verum (Rosa damascena extract) group than in the placebo group. Points are means, and bars are standard deviations. Abbreviation: BDI, Beck Depression Inventory.