Therapeutic Effects of Nigella Sativa Linn (Black Cumin) on Candida albicans Vaginitis

Background: Monilial Vaginitis is one of the most common gynecological problems among women all over the world causing 10 million consultations annually. Although the global prevalence of vaginitis is not clear, it has been reported that this infection becomes about twice more. The first cause of vaginitis in the Europe and the second cause in the United States are infections related to Candida albicans. Generally, the important cause of vaginitis is Candida albicans. Popular drugs regarding Candida albicans Vaginitis are topical ones such as Azoles. These drugs are known to cause severe adverse effects and high rate of relapse, in contrast some antifungal effects of Nigella Sativa L. without causing any adverse effect have been reported. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Nigella Sativa Linn capsule in the treatment of Candida albicans vaginitis. Patients and Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial, triple-blind, placebo controlled study performed on 100 women in Iran. Gynecological and microbiological evaluations were performed before and after the treatment. There were not statistically significant difference in signs and symptoms of monilial vaginitis before the treatment (P > 0.05). Nigella Sativa Linn capsule and clotrimazole vaginal cream for the study group and placebo capsule and clotrimazole vaginal cream for the control group were prescribed for seven days. Data was obtained by interview and observation and analyzed with Chi-square, t-test, Mann-Whitney, Fisher-exact-test and McNemar tests. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in vaginal itching, discharge, irritation, vulvovaginal redness and inflammation after the treatment between the two groups and much more in the study group (P < 0.001). However, the culture and wet mount (with KOH) results showed much improvement in the study group after treatment. Conclusions: The use of Nigella sativa L. capsule with clotrimazole vaginal cream was found more effective than clotrimazole vaginal cream alone, in most common symptoms and signs of this vaginitis. Therefore, Nigella Sativa L. capsule is suggested for the treatment of Candida albicans Vaginitis.