Comparison of the Effects of Artemisia Vaginal Cream and Clotrimazole on Vaginal Candidiasis Infection

Abstract

Abstract Candida vaginitis is the second most common vaginal infection which is treatable by azole. Overconsumption of azole is associated with resistance to drug and treatment failure. Studies conducted in laboratory conditions confirm the anti-fungal effects of Artemisia plant. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of vaginal Artemisia cream and clotrimazole on vaginal candidiasis infection. This is a clinical triple-blind trial that was performed on 72 non-pregnant women referred to Mashhad health centers in 2012-2017. After confirmation of Candida infection, the research units were randomly allocated into two groups: Artemisia and clotrimazole vaginal cream recipients treated for 7 nights. After the treatment, the data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 24). The results of the study showed that the mean reduction in the score of signs and symptoms of vaginal Candida infection was 7.4 ± 4. 1 and 7.6 ± 3.8 in the Artemisia and clotrimazole group, respectively. Wilcoxon test showed that improvement in both groups treated by Artemisia and clotrimazole was significantly higher than before treatment (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the improvement of symptoms (p > 0.05). Acta facultatis medicae Naissensis 2018; 35(4):299-310 The present study showed that Artemisia vaginal cream and clotrimazole cream both improved the symptoms related to vaginal Candida infection. In addition, the therapeutic effect of the two drugs was not statistically significant in comparison with each other. Therefore, it can be used as an alternative treatment for vaginal candidiasis.