Abstract

PHARMACEUTICO-ANALYTICAL STUDY AND INVITRO ANTIMICROBIAL EVALUATION OF POLYHERBAL VAGINAL WASH AND VAGINAL SUPPOSITORY

Dr. Bhavyashri*, Dr. Surekha S. Medikeri

Abstract

Vaginitis is a common condition affecting millions of women worldwide, characterized by abnormal vaginal discharge and pruritus that can adversely affect physical and mental wellbeing. In Ayurveda, such conditions are described under Yoni Vyapath, where Vata, Lodhra, and Plaksha are traditionally used for management. Although conventional therapies are effective, they are often associated with microbial resistance, recurrent infections, and disruption of the normal vaginal flora. This study aimed to prepare and evaluate polyherbal vaginal wash and suppository formulations using hydroethanolic extracts of Vata, Lodhra, and Plaksha. The extracts were prepared by Soxhlet extraction, concentrated by rotary vacuum evaporation, and dried in a hot air oven. Three batches of vaginal wash and two batches of vaginal suppository were formulated, and one was selected based on the desirable characteristics. Organoleptic, physicochemical, instrumental, phytochemical and antimicrobial evaluations were performed. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, glycosides, and reducing sugars. The antimicrobial activity of the developed polyherbal formulations was evaluated to validate their therapeutic potential against infectious vaginitis. The study assessed their efficacy against Candida albicans and Trichomonas vaginalis, the primary causative organisms of vulvovaginal candidiasis and trichomoniasis, respectively, to establish their potential as safe and effective alternatives to conventional therapy. The developed polyherbal vaginal wash and suppository showed promise as safe and effective alternatives for managing vaginal infections, supporting the integration of traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern pharmaceutical formulations.

Keywords: Polyherbal vaginal wash, Polyherbal vaginal suppository, Hydroethanolic extract, Candida albicans, Trichomonas vaginalis.