Comparing the Effect of Garlic, Zataria multiflora and Clotrimazole Vaginal Cream 2% on Improvement of Fungal Vaginitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Garlic and Zataria multiflora boiss (ZMB) are herbal medicines used traditionally in the treatment of infections, including candidal vaginitis. This study aimed to examine the effect of garlic and ZMB vaginal cream 2%, in the treatment and recurrence of candidal vaginitis. This randomized, double-blinded clinical trial was conducted on 240 married women with candidal vaginitis. The patients used 5 gr garlic, ZMB or clotrimazole vaginal cream 2% daily, for 7 days. Complaints of the patients, clinical observations and laboratory parameters were recorded before treatment, on days 7 and 30, after treatment. The data were analyzed by SPSS v. 21 through chi-square, Fisher, ANOVA with repeated measures, McNemar and Kruskal-Wallis tests. A P <0.05 was considered significant. Before treatment, all patients had positive candidiasis fungi culture, in both groups (100%). The positive culture was 14.1%, 15.2%, 10.3%, respectively, on day 7 after treatment and 2.6%, 0%, 0% on day 30, after treatment with garlic, ZMB and clotrimazole, respectively (P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between groups on days 7 (P = 0.69) and 30 (P = 0.21) after treatment, in culture results. There were no significant differences between groups, in terms of patient complaints and clinical observations before intervention, at days 7 and 30 after treatment (P > 0.05). Mean scores of candidal symptoms reduced significantly in all groups at on 7 and 30, after treatment (P < 0.001). Garlic and ZMB vaginal cream 2% can be used as an effective treatment option in cases of drug resistance and, also, by the people who are interested in treating with herbal medicines.