References Maca, Chasteberry, Dong Quai, Red Clover

Maca Root

Dording CM, et al. (2008). A double-blind, randomized, pilot dose-finding study of maca root (L. meyenii) for the management of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. CNS Neurosci Ther. 14(4):182-91. [PMID: 18801111]

Key Findings: 3.0 g/day maca improved ASEX/libido scores (P < 0.05) vs. 1.5 g/day in 20 patients (mostly women).

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18801111/

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1755-5949.2008.00052.

Chasteberry

Tadayon M, et al. (2021). The 4-month effect of Vitex agnus-castus plant on sexual function of women of reproductive age with hypoactive sexual desire disorder: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. BMC Complement Med Ther. 21(1):226. [PMID: 34565368]

Key Findings: Significant FSFI improvements across all domains (P < 0.05) in 112 women.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34565368/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8459874/

Dong Quai

Hirata JD, et al. (1997). Does dong quai have estrogenic effects in postmenopausal women? A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Fertil Steril. 68(6):981-6. [PMID: 9418683]

Key Findings: No strong estrogenic effects, but supports traditional PMS/menopause use.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9418683/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0015028297003771

Black Cohosh

Pourahmad S, et al. (2014). Efficacy of black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa L.) in treating early symptoms of menopause: a randomized clinical trial. J Med Plants Res. 8(22):702-6. [PMID: 24499633]

Key Findings: Reduced GCS total/sexual subscales (P < 0.001) vs. placebo.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24499633/

https://academicjournals.org/journal/JMPR/article-full-text-pdf/3B0A8E247158

Red Clover

Abedini M, et al. (2023). Is there a difference between the effects of phytoestrogens and non-phytoestrogen supplements on clinical symptoms of menopause? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Womens Health. 24(1):27. [PMID: 38166818]

Key Findings: Meta-analysis RCT data: reduced dyspareunia/low libido in postmenopausal women.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38166818/