Comparing the Effects of Calendula Officinalis and Clotrimazole on Vaginal Candidiasis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Abstract: Comparing the effects of Calendula officinalis and Clotrimazole on vaginal candidiasis: A randomized controlled trial Background: The antifungal effects of marigold extract have been demonstrated in multiple laboratory studies; nevertheless, there isn’t any study about its effect on human Candidiasis. Therefore The present study was conducted to compare the effects of marigold vaginal cream and clotromazole vaginal cream in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis (primary consequence) and the clinical symptoms and complaints of vaginal candidiasis as well as sexual function (secondary consequences) in women of reproductive ages. Methods: In this triple blind clinical trial 150 married women aged 18-45 with vaginal candidiasis were randomly divided into a marigold and a clotrimazole group, for 7 nights, 5 gr every night usage. Results of treatment 10-15 and 30-35 days after the beginning of the intervention with clinical and laboratory assessment and female sexual function 30-35 days after the beginning of the intervention with FSFI questionnaire were examined. Two groups were compared in SPSS-14, using Chi-square test, independent and dependent t-test, Mann-Whitney U and ANCOVA. Results: 5 individuals from the marigold group and 1 from the clotrimazole group did not attend the follow-up visit. The frequency of negative candidiasis results in the marigold group was significantly lower in the first follow-up (49% against 74%, 95%CI= 0.16- 0.67, OR= 0.32) and significantly higher in the second follow-up (77% against 34%, 95%CI= 1.5- 6.2, OR= 3.1) compared to the clotrimazole group. In the first follow-up the frequency of the majority of the complaints and clinical symptoms almost equally in the two groups but in the second follow-up significantly lower in the marigold group. Sexual function significantly improved in both groups after the intervention and the diffrenece between the groups was not significant. Conclusions: Marigold vaginal cream appears to have been effective in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis; however, it seems to have a delayed effect compared to clotrimazole and might even have a greater long-term effectiveness.