Effects of Viola odorata syrup on hot flashes and night sweats in menopausal women: A randomized, triple-blind, controlled trial

Background: Hot flashes and night sweats are among the most common and disruptive symptoms in menopausal women. The present study aimed to assess the effects of Viola odorata syrup on hot flashes and night sweats in menopausal women. V. odorata contain flavonoids, saponins, mucilage, alkaloid, vitamin C, magnesium and melatonin. Methods: This triple-blind, Randomized Controlled Trial was conducted on 84 menopausal women aged 40-65 years referring to the healthcare centers in Mashhad, Iran. Eligible menopausal women received the V. odorata syrup (5 ml) or placebo twice daily for one month. Data were collected before, during, and after the intervention using valid and reliable daily hot flash checklists. Data analysis was performed in SPSS using independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Friedman test, and Chi-square at the significance level of 0.05. Results: In the first week (before the intervention), the intervention group (V. odorata syrup) and placebo group (control) were homogenous in terms of the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and night sweats. The MannWhitney U test indicated a significant difference in the duration of hot flashes between the two groups. In addition, significant differences were observed between the V. odorata syrup and placebo groups between the mean duration of hot flashes in the second (P = 0.044), third (P = 0.031), fourth (P < 0.001), and fifth weeks (P<0.001), mean frequency of hot flashes in the third, fourth, and fifth weeks (P < 0.001), and mean intensity of hot flashes in the third (P = 0.003), fourth, and fifth weeks (P < 0.001), as well as night sweats in the second week, the mean values of which were significantly lower in the V. odorata group compared to the control group. Conclusion: V. odorata syrup could reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of hot flashes since the second week of the treatment. Therefore, the use of this plant is recommended for the reduction of hot flashes and night sweats in menopausal women.