Bismuth subgallate and cervico-vaginal disorders

Abstract

Bismuth subgallate represents a salt which has been widely used in the last decades in gastroenterology and otorhinolaryngology for hemostatic, astringent, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial purposes. The product seems to be efficient also in terms of inducing a more rapid wound healing stimulating all the key points of this process. Once the benefits of bismuth subgallate administration have been widely demonstrated in topical administration at the level of the postoperative wounds in oto-rhinolaryngology, it was further investigated in treating other mucosal lesions such as cervico-vaginal ones especially due to the fact that the two types of mucosa present similar features. Therefore, this bismuth salt was successfully associated in the composition of vaginal topical products with promising results. The aim of the current paper is to discuss the properties, mechanisms of action and benefits of adding bismuth subgallate in topic vaginal products.