Available via license: CC BY 4.0
Content may be subject to copyright.
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2016, 6, 879-887
http://www.scirp.org/journal/ojog
ISSN Online: 2160-8806
ISSN Print: 2160-8792
DOI: 10.4236/ojog.2016.613106 December 26, 2016
The Effect of Extract of Oak Gall for Vaginal
Tightening and Rejuvenation in Women with
Vaginal Relaxation
Nahid Lorzadeh*, Friba Sepavand, Maryam Soleimaninezhad, Nastaran Kazemirad
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorrmabad, Iran
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The Quercus (oak) fruit and especially the internal
layer of the fruit (jaft) is rich in tannin (polyphenolic compound) and due to its a
s-
tringent effects on the smooth muscles, we decided to evaluate this effect of extract of
Oak Gall for vaginal tightening and rejuvenation in women with vaginal relaxation
.
Methods:
This double blind clinical trial was performed on women with vaginal r
e-
laxation at Asali Hospital in Khorramabad from May to October 2012 and was ca
n-
didate for colporrhaphy due to different types of pelvic organ prolapse. Sampling
method was done on nonprobability basis according to the number of patients r
e-
ferred to clinic. Using blocked random allocation method, the participants were d
i-
vided into 4 groups of 30 patients (three intervention group and one control group)
who were age-matched. Then, an extract of Oak Gall in specified
concentrations
(10 - 15 and 20 grams in 1.5%, 2% and 2.5% jells) were administered to each inte
r-
vention group. Finally, the obtained data were analyzed with Chi-
square, Pearson,
Fisher’s exact test and ANOVA using SPSS software version 19.
Results:
A total of
120 patients entered into the study with mean age of 36 ± 5.4 years. The evaluation of
mean scores showed that sense of sexual satisfaction and orgasm, sense of vaginal
tightness during intercourse, sense of vaginal lubrication and loss of vagi
nal dryness
was significantly improved in patients in intervention group. Also other parameters
including urinary incontinence, sense of vaginal mass exit, lack of orgasm, sense of
air outflow during intercourse, sense of calmness after sex and loss of lib
ido were
significantly reduced in the group of patients who received jell 2.5% compared to
other groups (P < 0.0001).
Conclusion:
Our findings show
that using topical jell of
Oak Gall not only is associated with contracting effects, but also improves vagin
al
lubrication and reduces its dryness. Regarding the lack of previous studies in this
field and considering some limitations of this study, we suggest that Oak Gall to be
used for management of women with vaginal relaxation.
How to cite this paper:
Lorzadeh, N., Se
-
pavand, F
., Soleimaninezhad, M. and Ka
-
zemirad
, N. (2016)
The Effect of Extract of
Oak
Gall for Vaginal Tightening and Rej
u-
venation in Women with Vaginal Relaxa-
tion
.
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gyn
e-
cology
,
6
, 879-887.
http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/ojog.2016.613106
Received:
May 18, 2016
Accepted:
December 23, 2016
Published:
December 26, 2016
Copyright © 201
6 by authors and
Scientific
Research Publishing Inc.
This work is licensed under the Creative
Commons Attribution International
License (CC BY
4.0).
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Open Access
N. Lorzadeh et al.
880
Keywords
Extract of Oak Gall, Vaginal Tightening and Rejuvenation, Vaginal Relaxation
1. Introduction
Sexual desire is a God given gift that requires proper attention like other blessings and
natural instincts such as sleep, hunger, thirst etc. and also requires proper care and hy-
giene as well as appropriate treatment if any problem or disease occurs [1] [2]. Because
most of the people in our country are very embarrassed for talking about sexual issues,
so most of the marriages are associated with unawareness of the couples about sexual
behavior and after a while, they may encounter a lot of problems in their sexual rela-
tionships [3] [4] [5].
Sexual satisfaction is affected by different factors including occupational stress, con-
flicts in couple relationships, educational and cultural level, economic problems, moral
and sexual compatibilities, mental disorders and physical diseases of both parties [6].
Relaxation of pelvic floor muscles is one of the physical problems [7] that leads to pel-
vic organ prolapse, dysfunction of pelvic organs, dyspareunia, low back pain, sexual
dysfunction and lack of sexual satisfaction in couples [8].
Although the pelvic organ prolapse and relaxation of pelvic floor muscles have been
recognized as factors that affect sexual satisfaction [9], and one third of women with
pelvic organ prolapse suffer from sexual dysfunction and lack of sexual satisfaction
[10], but the study by Weber
et al
. did not show significant correlation between sexual
satisfaction and pelvic organ prolapse [11].
There are several therapeutic approaches for management of pelvic organ prolapsed
including surgical and nonsurgical methods. Using pessary, Kogel exercises, physiothe-
rapy and hormone therapy are nonsurgical methods and posterior and anterior col-
porrhaphy are surgical methods [12]. Some authors such as Barder
et al
. have shown
that colporrhaphy can improve sexual function and sexual satisfaction; while others
such as Roger
et al
. have indicated that sexual satisfaction may be decreased in partici-
pants 3 - 6 months after surgery [9] [13].
Herbal remedies have long been used to treat various diseases. The oak is one of the
plants with many therapeutic applications. The oak that is used in this study is from the
species of Quercusinfectoria and Quercusbrantii which are grown in Lorestan province
(Khorramabad and Doroud cities). This oak has grey-green leaves with fuzzy branches
with oval fruit weighting 15 - 20 grams like a capsule locatedin a cup. This species have
long duration of life that Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has estimated their
life as 700 to 1000 years [14].
Iranian oak fruit has composed of two parts: the cup and the capsule. The capsule has
three parts: external layer which encircles the capsule and shares 7% of fruit weight. Jaft
(tannin) which is an internal thin layer wrapped around the brain (second shell). This
part shares 3% of dried fruit weight; it means that from 1 kilogram of dried oak fruit, 30
N. Lorzadeh et al.
881
grams of dried jaft (tannin) can be retrieved. The last part is the brain of oak fruit. The
brain is soft as long as the fruit is not dried; however as the time passes, due to evapora-
tion of internal water, the brain weight is diminished; because 40% of the weight of raw
fruit is due to water and minerals. The fruit is a nut enclosed in a cup called the cupule.
Chemical compounds such asshikimic acid, methyl salicylate, terpenoid compounds
and especially tannins can be found in these plants. The oak shell is a good antidote for
poisonings caused by alkaloids and minerals [14] and the internal layer of oak fruit that
is called jaft has copious amount of tannins. The therapeutic effects of tannins are as-
tringent, anti-diarrhea, styptic, relieves stomach bleeding and bleeding between men-
strual cycles, relieves bloody phlegms, helps tissue edema andreduces albuminuria
caused by renal insufficiencies.
In topical application, due to astringent effects, it is used for constriction of vagina
and anus, relievesvaginal discharge, oozing eczema, hyperhidrosis, crack and fissures of
the nipple, burns, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, nasal and laryngeal coryza and denatures
toxic compounds of antihistamines and also may be useful for recently healed wounds
by creating a protective layer on them [15]. Moliawan
et al
. in a study published on
2006 declared that methanol extract of Quercuslusitanica has a significant inhibitory
effect on replication of Dengue virus type-2 [16]. The effects of an herbal compound
composed of internal layer of oak and lemon balm in treatment of minor aphthous ulc-
ers in oral mucosa has been associated with successful treatment of this disease [17].
Also, a study on Quercusaucheri showed that oak gallsacts as an astringent antiseptic
and coagulating agent. The sodden is also used for acute diarrhea, inflammation, burns
and wounds [18].
Haidari
et al
. with regard to different therapeutic effects of tannins including inhibi-
tion of pathogenic growth, styptic and astringent properties, applied the tannin powder
within the Quercusinfectoria for healing of skin wound in rats [19]. Another study was
done by Umachigi
et al
. on 2008 focusing on the features of wound healing in rats after
application of ethanol extract of galls and they found that wound healing is accelerated
[20].
Regarding the astringent effects of jaft tannins and its effects on smooth muscles, we
decided to evaluate this effect in order to contract vaginal smooth muscles in women
with vaginal relaxation.
2. Methods
This study was a double-blind clinical trial registered at www.irct.ir website (code
number: 137704071842N2). All marriedwomen with vaginal relaxation who referred to
gynecology clinic at Asali Hospital in Khorramabad from May to October 2012 and
were candidate for colporrhaphy due to different types of pelvic organ prolapse were
considered for the study. Among them, 120 women who had child, at educational level
of guidance school or higher, without history of pelvic or breast surgery, no drug abuse,
no chronic disease (diabetes, hypertension, ischemic heart disease) in themselves and
their spouse, and no sexual problems (premature ejaculation and impotence) in their
N. Lorzadeh et al.
882
spouse and with no urogenital infections were entered in the study.
Sampling method was done on nonprobability basis according to the number of pa-
tients referred to the clinic. All women were examined in lithotomy position in order to
determine prolapse grade and were graded based on Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantifica-
tion System (POP-Q). Using blocked random allocation method, the participants were
divided into 4 groups of 30 patients (three intervention group and one control group)
who were age-matched. After explaining the study objectives for participants and ob-
taining written informed consent for participation in the study, the questionnaire
number 1 (demographic data) and questionnaire number 2 (sexual satisfaction) were
filled by them. Then, an extract of internal layer of Quercus in specified concentrations
(10 - 15 and 20 grams in 1.5%, 2% and 2.5% jells) were administered to each interven-
tion group. For control group, just the basic jell (methyl paraffin 2%, acetic acid, deio-
nized water and glycerin) without oak extract was administered. The participants were
asked to use different concentrations of this intravaginal extract 3 days after the end of
menstruation, 5 minutes before sexual contact. Instructions for intercourse were also
delivered to them. On the day after intercourse, all women in 4 groups were evaluated
in terms of sexual satisfaction and adverse events using Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary
Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ). After determining the percentage,
the acquired scores of the questionnaires were classified into 5 classes of completely sa-
tisfied (81 - 100), fairly satisfied (61 - 80), no idea (41 - 60), fairly unsatisfied (21 - 40)
and completely unsatisfied (0 - 20). The validity of instrument was evaluated by content
validity and the reliability was evaluated by Cronbach’s alpha (sexual satisfaction ques-
tionnaire Cronbach 89%).For determining reliability of physical examination and grade
of pelvic organ prolapse, the correlation coefficient (Spearman r = 96%) was applied.
Finally, the obtained data were analyzed with Chi-square, Pearson, Fisher’s exact test
and ANOVA using SPSS software version 19.
3. Results
This study was performed on 120 patients with mean age of 36 ± 5.4 years. All partici-
pants had at least one vaginal delivery and 42 women (35%) had at least one cesarean
section. The most common type of prolapse was perineal relaxation that was noted in
78 patients (65%); while 42 women (35%) had cystocele (bladder prolapse). The mean
sexual satisfaction in the study subjects after intervention compared to before interven-
tion showed that it was significantly greater in the group receiving oak extract jell 2.5%
(Table 1).
The differences in the frequency of orgasms was statistically significant among the
groups and the highest amount of orgasm was noted in the group receiving oak extract
jell 2.5%; as women who always or often experienced orgasm was about 60% while 60%
of women receiving placebo rarely or never experienced orgasm (P < 0.001) (Figure 1).
In case of sexual problems in women, before and after using oak extract jell, these
findings were observed:
The sense of vaginal tightness during intercourse in women receiving oak extract jell
N. Lorzadeh et al.
883
Table 1. Frequency of sexual satisfaction in the study subjects after intervention.
Sexual satisfaction Unsatisfied
Number
(percentage)
Fairly
unsatisfied
Number
(percentage)
No idea
Number
(percentage)
Fairly
satisfied
Number
(percentage)
Completely
satisfied
Number
(percentage)
Study groups
Jell 2.5% 2 (6.7) 5 (16.7) 4 (13.3) 16 (53.3) 3 (10)
Jell 2% 3 (10) 12 (40) 7 (23.3) 8 (26.7) 0 (0)
Jell 1.5% 3 (10) 13 (43.3) 8 (26.7) 6 (20) 0 (0)
Placebo 3 (10) 14 (46.7) 8 (26.7) 5 (16.7) 0 (0)
Type of statistical test: Fisher’s exact test P value = 0021; X2 = 23.95. *After intervention, the level of sexual satisfac-
tion in women receiving jell 2.5% was significantly higher than other groups.
Figure 1. The differences in the frequency of orgasms was statistically significant among the
groups and the highest amount of orgasm was noted in the group receiving oak extract jell 2.5%.
2.5% was significantly different compared to women receiving jell 2% and 1.5%; as 28
out of 30 women in this group (93%) reported the sense of vaginal tightness imme-
diately after receiving jell 2.5% while this amount in groups receiving jell 2% and 1.5%
was 33% and 6.7% respectively (Table 2).
Sense of vaginal dryness was another common finding that after using the mentioned
amount of oak extract jell, the maximal efficacy was noted in the group receiving jell
2.5% (26 out of 30; 86%) while this amount in other groups was 43% and 33% (Table
3).
The other parameters including urinary incontinence, sense of vaginal mass exit, lack
of orgasm, sense of air outflow during intercourse, sense of calmness after sex and loss
of libido were significantly reduced in the group of patients who received jell 2.5%
compared to other groups (P < 0.0001) (Table 4).
N. Lorzadeh et al.
884
Table 2. Frequency of the sense of vaginal tightness during intercourse in the study subjects after
intervention.
Sense of vaginal tightness during
intercourse No
Number
(percentage)
Yes
Number
(percentage)
Total
Number
(percentage)
P-Value
Study groups
Jell 2.5% 2 (6.7) 28 (93.3) 30 (100)
<0.0001
Jell 2% 20 (66.7) 10 (33.3) 30 (100)
Jell 1.5% 28 (93.3) 2 (6.7) 30 (100)
Placebo 28 (93.3) 2 (6.7) 30 (100)
Table 3. Frequency of the sense of vaginal dryness during intercourse in the study subjects after
intervention.
Vaginal dryness during intercourse Yes
Number
(percentage)
No
Number
(percentage)
Total
Number
(percentage)
P-Value
Study groups
Jell 2.5% 4 (26.7) 26 (86.7) 30 (100)
<0.0001
Jell 2% 17 (56.7) 13 (43.3) 30 (100)
Jell 1.5% 20 (66.7) 10 (33.3) 30 (100)
Placebo 20 (66.7) 10 (33.3) 30 (100)
Type of statistical test: Chi-square.
Table 4. Frequency of the efficacy of jell 2.5% in urinary incontinence, sense of vaginal mass exit,
lack of orgasm, sense of air outflow during intercourse, sense of calmness after sex and loss of li-
bido before and after intervention (P < 0.0001).
Time-frequency
Sexual Problems
Before Intervention After the intervention
Total P-Value
There
Number
(percentage)
Do not have
Number
(percentage)
There
Number
(percentage)
Do not have
Number
(percentage)
Feel the air out during
intercourse 29 (96.7) 1 (3.3) 5 (16.7) 25 (83.3) 30 (100)
<0.0001
Inability to achieve
orgasm 24 (80) 6 (20) 7 (23.3) 23 (76.7) 30 (100)
Feeling out of the
vagina. 22 (73.3) 8 (26.7) 7 (23.3) 23 (76.7) 30 (100)
Urinary incontinence
during orgasm 28 (93.3) 2 (6.7) 2 (6.7) 28 (93.3) 30 (100)
Lack of relaxation
after a close 30 (100) 0 (0) 10 (33.3) 20 (66.7) 30 (100)
N. Lorzadeh et al.
885
No adverse event was observed following the use of oak extract jell in all study
groups.
4. Discussion and Conclusions
The findings of this study showed that after using the oak extract jell 2.5%, the sexual
satisfaction and orgasm, sense of vaginal tightness during intercourse, sense of vaginal
lubrication and loss of vaginal dryness was significantly higher than other study groups
(P < 0.001).
The studies show that when oak extract is applied topically, not only the tightening
effects are appeared, but also the antioxidant effects on vaginal wall make the elasticity
strength to be returned which had been caused by hormonal changes and vaginal deli-
very.
On the other hand, the natural antimicrobial effects of oak extract helps to prevent
infection. In elderly women, the thinning of vaginal layers causes dyspareunia, vaginal
dryness, redness and increased fungal and bacterial infections. The anti-inflammatory
effects of oak extract jell can relieve the mentioned problems and help healing of dam-
aged external tissue [17]. The effect of internal layer of oak and lemon balm has been
studied in treatment of minor aphthous ulcers in oral mucosa and has been associated
with successful treatment of this disease [20]. In a study on Quercusaucheri, it has been
shown that oak galls act as an astringent, antiseptic and styptic agent.
Besides, the studies show that oak extract has natural antimicrobial effects that help
reduce the infections caused by fungi, yeasts and bacteria which are main causes of
itching and unpleasant odor of irritated vagina. Regarding the different therapeutic ef-
fects of tannins such as prevention of pathogenic growth and astringent and styptic ef-
fects, Haidari
et al
. used the tannin powder in the galls of Quercusinfectoria for healing
of skin wounds [19]. Also, oak extract jell can relive vaginal dryness and lubricate the
vagina that both effects improve sexual problems in women.
Using the oak extract jell was not associated with any adverse event, so can be used
whenever it is required. The best application method is to be used twice daily (morning
and evening) preferably on external area of the vagina. If the jell to be used 5 minutes
before sexual contact, can also be considered as a natural lubricating agent.
The contracting effects of oak extract on the smooth muscles of the vagina are sensed
immediately after applying; however, most of the women report that maximal effects
are sensed after 10 - 15 minutes. Regarding the lack of previous studies in this topic and
considering the significant improvement of symptoms in participants after using oak
extract jell 2.5% and in spite of some limitations of the study such as inappropriate use
of the extract, no further referring to clinic, moral excuse in responding questions and
short duration of evaluation, we suggest that oak extract to be used in women as an ap-
propriate treatment for sexual dysfunction.
Acknowledgements
We appreciate the members of Razi Research Center of Medicinal Plants of Lorestan
N. Lorzadeh et al.
886
University of Medical Sciences who hearty helped us for conducting this research.
References
[1] Owhadi, B. (2003) Human Sexuality. 3rd Edition, Attorpat Publication, Tehran, 85.
[2] Shokrollahi, P. (1996) Prevalence and Individual Risk Factors of Inadequacies of Sexual
Response in Married Women Referred to Health Centers of the Tehran University of Med-
ical Sciences. MSc of Midwifery Thesis, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran.
[3] Mahyar, A. and Noohi, S. (2003) Practical Guide to Treat Sexual Dysfunction. Moein Pub-
lication, Tehran, 7-8.
[4] Saki, K. and Bahrainian, S.A.H. (1999) Sexual Dysfunction in a Group of Iranian Popula-
tion.
Iranian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism
, 1, 295.
[5] Hashemifard, A.A. (1992) Problems and Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women. Chehr
Publication, Tehran, 47.
[6] Pourafkari, N. (2000) Psychiatry of Behavioral Sciences—Clinical Psychiatry. Shahrab Pub-
lications, Tehran, 62.
[7] Okonkwo, J.E., Obionu, C.O. and Obiechina, N.J. (2001) Factors Contributing to Urinary
Incontinence and Pelvic Prolapse in Nigeria.
International Journal of Gynecology & Obste-
trics
, 74, 301-303. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0020-7292(01)00378-2
[8] Artibani, W., Stuart, L., Stanton, D. and Kumar, R. (2002) Pelvic Floor Reconstruction.
Uro-
logy
, 42, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0302-2838(02)00036-2
[9] Barder, M., Visco, A. and Wyman, J. (2002) Sexual Function in Women with Urinary In-
continence and Pelvic Organ Prolapse.
Obstetrics & Gynecology
, 99, 281-289.
[10] McLennan, A.H. (2000) The Prevalence of Pelvic Floor Disor-Ders and Their Relationship
to Gender, Age, Parity and Mode of Delivery.
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecolo-
gy
, 107, 1460-1470. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.2000.tb11669.x
[11] Weber, A., Walters, M. and Piedmonte, M. (2000) Sexual Function and Vaginal Anatomy
in Women Before and After Surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Urinary Incontinence.
American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology
, 182, 1610-1615.
https://doi.org/10.1067/mob.2000.107436
[12] Olsen, A., Smith, V.J., Bergstorm, J.O., Colling, J.C. and Clark, A.. (1997) Epidemiology of
Surgically Managed Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Urinary Incontinence.
Obstetrics & Gyne-
cology
, 89, 501-506. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0029-7844(97)00058-6
[13] Rogers, R.G., Kammerer-Doak, D., Darrow, A., Mur-Ray, K., Olsen, A., Barber, M. and
Qualls, C. (2004) Sexual Function after Surgery for Stress Urinary Incontinence and/or Pel-
vic Organ Prolapse: A Multicenter Prospective Study.
American Journal of Obstetrics &
Gynecology
, 191, 206-210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2004.03.087
[14] Khosravi, A.D. and Behzadi, A. (2006) Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of the Seed
Hull of Quercus Brantii on Some Gram Negative Bacteria.
Pakistan Journal of Medical
Sciences
, 22, 429-432.
[15] Motevaselian, M. and Farahi, F. (1979) Measurement of Extractive Materiales of
Quercus
infectoria
for Foodstuff and Medicinal Value of It. Doctoral Thesis, Medical Faculty, Te-
hran University, Tehran.
[16] Muliawan, S.Y., Shamala Devi, L.S.K., Hashim, O. and Yusof, R. (2006) Inhibitory Potential
of
Quercus lusitanica
Extract on Dengue Virus Type 2 Replication.
Southeast Asian Journal
of Tropical Medicine and Public Health
, 37, 132-135.
[17] Jahanshahi, G.H., Moattar, F. and Soltani, M.R. (2004) Evaluation of a Herbal Medicine in
N. Lorzadeh et al.
887
the Treatment of Recurrent Aphthous Ulcer.
Beheshti Univ. Dent. J
, 22, 19-25.
[18] Sakar, M.K., Şhretoğlu, D., Zalp, M., Ekizoğlu, M., Placente, S. and Pizza, C. (2005) Poly-
phenolic Compounds and Antimicrobial Activity of
Quercus aucheri
Leaves.
Turkish Jour-
nal of Chemistry
, 29, 555-559.
[19] Haidari, R., Siami, A., Pakbaz, M. and Aghazadeh, M. (2005) Measurement of Tannin in
Four Genotype of
Quercus infectoria
Olive and Application of Their Gall Powder in
Treatment of Wound.
J Aro. Med Pla Res. Iran
, 21, 433-443.
[20] Umachigi, S.P., Jayaveera, K.N., Ashok Kumar, C.K., Kumar, G.S., Vrushabendraswamy,
B.M. and Kishore Kumar, D.V. (2008) Studies on Wound Healing Properties of Quercu-
sInfectoria.
Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
, 7, 913-919.
https://doi.org/10.4314/tjpr.v7i1.14677
Submit or recommend next manuscript to SCIRP and we will provide best service
for you:
Accepting pre-submission inquiries through Email, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.
A wide selection of journals (inclusive of 9 subjects, more than 200 journals)
Providing 24-hour high-quality service
User-friendly online submission system
Fair and swift peer-review system
Efficient typesetting and proofreading procedure
Display of the result of downloads and visits, as well as the number of cited articles
Maximum dissemination of your research work
Submit your manuscript at: http://papersubmission.scirp.org/
Or contact ojog@scirp.org
