Experimental vaginal candidiasis: Assessment of Origanum vulgare for its treatment

Abstract

The aim of this work was evaluate action of oregano (Origanum vulgare) essential oil in treatment of experimental vaginal candidiasis. A batch of 50 Wistar rats was randomly allocated into four experimental groups corresponding to treatments: T1, 1.5% oil; T2, 3% oil; T3, Nystatin and T4, control treatment (emulsion). Oil concentrations were emulsified in agar suspension at 0.8%. Vulvovaginal candidiasis was established in ovariectomized and estrus-induced rats by intravaginal inoculation of Candida albicans (106 cells-ml). Experimental rats were treated intravaginally daily for a period of 30 days and tested for clinical and hematological parameters, agent retro isolation and macroscopic alterations. Rats from T4 (Negative) treatments did exhibit major alterations exhibited in clinical parameters major alterations. Macroscopic lesions were evident in animals T1 and T4, e.g. erythema, white spots and vaginal mucosa ulcerations; two rats from T4 and one from T1 showed an enhanced uterine volume. Colony counts (UFCs) at the end of experimental period were of 3.1, 2 and 6.5 log2 for T1, T2 and T4, respectively. T3 showed the lowest UFC value of 0.5 log. Experimental results, considered as preliminary, showed a good performance for 3% O. vulgare essential oil formulation on the control of experimental vaginal candidiasis. Key words: Vaginal candidiasis, essential oil, Origanum.