DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_931_25 ISSN: 2277-9531

Comparison of Viola odorata and metronidazole vaginal gels in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis among reproductive-aged women: A double-blind randomized clinical trial

Parisa Afsharnia, Mina Iravani, Eskandar Moghimipour, Zahra Farshadzadeh
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BACKGROUND:

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge in women. Given the preference of people to use herbal medicines, and considering the antibacterial properties of Viola odorata due to its effective compounds, this study was conducted to compare the effect of V. odorata and metronidazole vaginal gels on the treatment of bacterial vaginosis in women of reproductive age.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study is a double-blind randomized clinical trial. The participants of the study included 88 women aged 15–44 years, complaining of vaginal discharge or symptoms of genital irritation. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups of 44 women each: one group treated with V. odorata vaginal gel, and the other with metronidazole vaginal gel. Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis was based on Amsel criteria. Women in each treatment group used 5 grams (equivalent to one applicator) of violet vaginal gel or metronidazole 0.75% vaginal gel for 7 nights. Participants in both study groups were evaluated for response to treatment one week after treatment and for recurrence of infection 4 weeks after treatment. Chi-square test was used to compare Amsel criteria and clinical complaints before and after treatment.

RESULTS:

Clinical complaints of women decreased 1 and 4 weeks after treatment in both groups, and no significant difference between the two groups was observed ( P < 0.2). Also, according to Amsel criteria, 1 and 4 weeks after the end of treatment, the rate of improvement in the violet gel group and metronidazole gel group was almost the same (85.7% vs. 88.4% P = 0.715). The recurrence rate of infection 4 weeks after the end of treatment in the violet gel group was similar to that in the metronidazole group (13.9% vs. 15.8%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

According to the findings of this study, violet vaginal gel could effectively and safely treat bacterial vaginosis in women of reproductive age. Therefore, the use of this plant can be effective in women who suffer from potential side effects of chemical drugs.

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