Therapeutic Potential of Ayurvedic and Herbal Interventions in Vaginitis: A Critical Narrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70066/jahm.v14i8.2870Keywords:
Ayurveda, Bacterial vaginitis, Herbal medicines, Trichomoniasis, Vulvovaginal Candidiasis, YonivyapadaAbstract
Introduction: Vaginitis is considered the most prevalent gynecological condition during the reproductive age of women, defined by the symptoms of vaginal discharge, burning sensation, malodor, pruritus, and inflammation. In Ayurveda it can be correlated with Yonivyapada or Shwetapradara. Objective: This narrative review aims to assess the effectiveness of Ayurvedic & herbal interventions for the treatment of vaginitis. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes total 22 studies and clinical evidences published between 2014 & 2025 from databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct to evaluate Ayurvedic management of vaginitis. The interventions included local, systemic, and also combined therapy for vaginitis and its different forms like vulvovaginal candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, leucorrhea, and nonspecific vaginitis. Results: The reviewed studies demonstrated significant improvement in symptoms (p<0.05) and recurrence rates. Several studies showed improvement in Nugent and Amsel scores, vaginal pH, normalized vaginal flora and demonstrated anti-fungal, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing activities. Mostly, local treatments like Yonipichu & Yoniprakshalana demonstrated clinically superior results. Conclusion: In current findings, Ayurvedic and herbal interventions reduce the symptoms of vaginitis comparable to conventional treatment but the results are constrained by heterogeneity in methods, varied treatment protocols, and small sample sizes. However, further well-designed, large-scale trials with standardized methodologies & longer follow-up should be designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment and strengthen its evidence in vaginitis management.
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