The effect of a vaginal suppository formulation of dill (Anethum graveolens) in comparison to clotrimazole vaginal tablet on the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis

Abstract

The goal of this study was to compare the effect of Anethum graveolens (dill) vaginal suppositories and 100 mg clotrimazole vaginal tablets on vulvovaginal Candidiasis. This study was a single centre, single-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial, in which 60 women with microbiology-confirmed vulvovaginal candidiasis were randomly assigned to dill and clotrimazole groups. At the end of the study, the estimated prevalence of leucorrhoea, burning, and itching was 23%, 23% and 20% in dill users, respectively. This figure was 20%, 10% and 16.7% for the clotrimazole group, respectively. The difference between the two groups was not significant. 13% of suppository patients, compared with 10% of clotrimazole-treatment patients, had a positive culture, which was not significant (p = .68). According to findings, 2% dill vaginal suppositories were as effective as clotrimazole vaginal tablets in reducing both clinical and microbiological symptoms of Candidiasis. Studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm current findings. Impact statement What is already known on the subject? Based on results from in vivo and in vitro animal studies, dill (Anethum graveolens) has anti-candida activity. What do the results of this study add? It appears that 2% dill vaginal suppositories were as effective as 100 mg clotrimazole vaginal tablets in reducing both the clinical and microbiological symptoms. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and further research? Obstetricians and gynaecologists can offer dill as a useful alternative to chemical drugs, especially in women who are often interested in herbal medicine, or in women who are resistant or are not allowed to use antifungal drugs.

Comparing the Effect of Dill Seed Vaginal Cream, with a Persian Traditional Base, and 1% Clotrimazole Vaginal Cream on Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial

“…However, a recent study with a smaller sample size compared the efficacy of dill vaginal suppository and Clotrimazole vaginal tablet. The prevalence percentages of itching, leucorrhoea, burning, and positive cultures were 20%, 23.3%, 23.3%, and 10%, respectively for dill suppository, and 16.7%, 20%, 10%, and 13.3% for Clotrimazole tablet at the end of intervention without any significant differences (32). Bingxin et al studied the probable antifungal mechanism of dill seed essential oil and revealed its antifungal activity.…”

Dill

“…The magnitudes of improvement from dill were similar to those observed in children given the antibiotic metronidazole. Two trials investigated dill extracts as either a vaginal suppository 55 or vaginal cream 56 for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Compared with baselines, these interventions significantly reduced clinical symptoms of infection, which were similar to the outcomes for subjects administered the antifungal agent clotrimazole.…”

The Effect of Oral Cinnamon Capsule on the Treatment and Recurrence of Candidal Vaginitis: A Double-blind Randomized Clinical Trial

“…Cinnamon also inhibits nitric oxide due to its cinnamaldehyde and has an anti-inflammatory effect (23). A study conducted in 2018 showed no difference in treatment results between the two groups of dill cream and clotrimazole (24).…”