DOI: 10.1177/1934578x261469783 ISSN: 1934-578X

Essential Oils Against Vaginal Pathogens: The In Vitro Antimicrobial Efficacy, Toxicity, and Microbiota Preservation

Muneebah Laher, Ané Orchard, Sandy van Vuuren
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Objectives

The effectiveness of current treatments for vaginal infections is declining due to rising bacterial and yeast resistance, along with adverse effects on the vaginal microbiome. Although essential oils are known for their antimicrobial properties, their potential in treating vaginal infections either as monotherapies or in combination has not been thoroughly explored.

Methods

This study assessed the antimicrobial efficacy (minimum inhibitory concentrations and biofilm inhibition) and toxicity of 46 essential oils and 86 combinations against both pathogens and beneficial vaginal microbiota ( Lactobacilli spp.).

Results

Among the essential oils, Coriandrum sativum showed the most promising broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity (values as low as 0.13 mg/mL). Origanum vulgare and Myrtus communis were also of interest, having no toxicity with minimal impact on the vaginal biome ( Lactobacilli spp.). The combination of Cinnamomum camphora and Melaleuca cajuputi essential oil demonstrated superior antimicrobial inhibition (ΣFIC values 0.08-0.35), was non-toxic at both 24 and 48 hr (percentage inhibition of 34.34 ± 6.49 and 46.90 ± 0.79, respectively), and was able to inhibit Candida biofilms.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that selected essential oils have potential as alternative treatments for vaginal infections, with the ability to inhibit vaginal pathogens, demonstrate low toxicity while not inhibiting the natural microbiota in vitro.

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