J Menopausal Med.  2018 Dec;24(3):204-209. 10.6118/jmm.2018.24.3.204.

Effect of Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) on Sleep Quality of Menopausal Women: A Double-blinded, Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial

• Afiat M
• Dizavandi
• Kargarfard L
• Vahed SH
• Ghazanfarpour M

• KMID: 2455895
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.6118/jmm.2018.24.3.204

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Aim of present study was designed to investigate the soporific effect of fennel among menopausal women.
METHODS
The present double-blinded and placebo-controlled trial examined the fennel effect on Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Total score and relevant 7 components, including sleep duration, sleep latency, use of sleeping medication, subjective sleep quality, sleep disturbances, daytime dysfunction and habitual sleep efficiency among 50 menopausal women compared to control group within a 12-week follow-up.
RESULTS
The patients in both groups reported no certain side effects and all subjects completed the study. The mean actual sleep duration was 5 hours and 66 minutes. Intergroup comparison revealed no statistically significant differences in the mean total PSQI score (P = 0.439), subjective sleep quality (P = 0.826), habitual sleep efficiency (P = 0.127), sleep disturbances (P = 0.130), use of sleeping medication (P = 0.52) and daytime dysfunction (P = 0.439). A tendency toward significant between 2 groups was seen concerning the sleep duration (P = 0.059). Intergroup comparison showed significantly borderline levels (P = 0.059).
CONCLUSIONS
The treatment of 12 weeks with fennel caused a slight effect that did not reach to significant. These findings should be considered cautiously because of small sample size, short-term follow-up and subjective measure of sleep quality.

Keyword

Foeniculum; Menopause; Sleep; Sleep wake disorders

MeSH Terms

Female
Foeniculum*
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Menopause
Sample Size
Sleep Wake Disorders

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