Efficacy of a vaginal tablet as a Persian medicine product on vulvovaginal candidiasis: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

In Persian medicine, topical ingredients such as Mill. (Rosaceae), are usually recommended for the treatment of uterine diseases. Scientific evaluation of these historical documents can be valuable for finding new potential use in conventional medicine. This clinical trial was performed to determine whether the use of the 'ward' vaginal tablet, which contains L. (Punicaceae), Oliv. (Fagaceae), L. (Myrtaceae) and (D.Don) DC. (Caprifoliaceae) could alleviate the symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis. A parallel double-blinded placebo-controlled study was done. Eighteen to fifty-year-old women with vulvovaginal candidiasis were divided into the 'ward' and placebo groups, 46 individuals in each group. The 'ward' group received the 'ward' vaginal tablet containing 200 mg of dried extract. Placebo group received a placebo (composed of corn starch and lactose). One tablet was applied through the vagina for 7 consecutive nights. Two weeks after medication administration, the vaginal discharge sample of patients was re-cultured; 29 patients (63.045%) in the 'ward' group and 6 (13.04%) patients in the placebo group had negative culture ( < 0.001). All clinical symptoms including itching, irritation, and vaginal discharge were significantly reduced in the 'ward' group compared with the placebo group following the intervention and the follow up ( < 0.05). The findings suggest the 'ward' vaginal tablet could ameliorate vulvovaginal candidiasis. Future larger studies are recommended due to compare the therapeutic effect of the 'ward' vaginal tablet with common treatments.