Effect of Cymbopogon olivieri-based herbal vaginal product on bacterial vaginosis

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in reproductive-age women. If it is not treated, the quality of life will be reduced. In this study, the herbal medicine product Cymbopogon olivieri was used for its treatment. METHODS: This study was conducted with 90 women. The patients were randomly divided into two groups of 45: Cymbopogon olivieriand metronidazole. The treatment period was 7 days for each group. Improvement status was determined by eliminating at least three out of four of Amsel’s criteria. A new variable with two order levels (negative and positive) was constructed. This new variable shows the status of the treatment process. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to examine the relationship between the new variable and treatment status. RESULTS: The results demonstrate that Cymbopogon olivieri and metronidazole significantly reduced the burning, itching, malodor, abnormal vaginal discharge, pH, clue cell, and positive whiff test (p<0.05). The findings also demonstrate that neither treatment was statistically different from the other for at least three of Amsel’s criteria. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the effect of Cymbopogon olivieri on bacterial vaginosis is similar to that of metronidazole. Hence, Cymbopogon olivieri is a suitable option to treat bacterial vaginosis.