Complementary therapies and Bacterial vaginosis in Iran: a review of clinical trials

Background and Aim : Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is prevalent in women. BV is characterized by the overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria. Discharge, fishy odor, and irritation are common features of BV. Complementary remedies like medical planets and natural substances can be designed for better vaginal health. This study aims to review clinical trials on the effectiveness of Complementary therapies in BV in Iran.Methods : In this study, electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane library were searched with the keywords “Bacterial vaginosis” in the title/abstract and “plant/ / herb” and "complementary therapies" in the whole text for clinical trials on Complementary therapies for BV in Iran. Data were collected from inception until April ۲۰۲۱. Only papers with English and Persian full-texts were included in our study. Results : Herbs and supplementary remedies in the form of oral and/or topical (cream or suppository vaginal) were assessed in BV via clinical and laboratory tests. Nigella sativa, Oak Gall, Zataria multiflora, Hypericum perforatum, Garlic, Calendula officinalis, and Myrtuscomunis have a large body of evidence supporting their effectiveness in BV. supplementary remedies as honey and probiotics and vitamin D were evaluated in BV. These supplementary remedies have evidence of effectiveness in BV.Conclusion : The current study supports the efficacy and safety of several plants and natural substances for BV; however, some herbs and substances do not have enough evidence to support the use of complementary therapies. Thus, future studies are needed to assess the efficacy and adverse effects of these treatments.

کلیدواژه ها:

Complementary medicine ، Bacterial vaginosis ، clinical trials