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

Background: Garlic and Zataria multiflora boiss (ZMB) are herbal medicines used traditionally in the treatment of infections, including candidal vaginitis. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effect of garlic and ZMB vaginal cream 2%, in the treatment and recurrence of candidal vaginitis. Methods: This randomized, double-blinded clinical trial was conducted on 240 married women with candidal vaginitis. The patients used 5 gr garlic, ZMBor 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. Results: 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). Conclusions: 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.