Antifungal Effect of Intimate Gel Based on Hydro-Ethanolic Extract of Cyperus Esculentus L. and Probiotic Bacteria in Wistar Rat

Vulvovaginitis is most common in reproductive-aged women, where candidal vulvovaginitis accounts for roughly one-third of cases. Because of the increased interest from doctors and patients, the use of probiotics in reproductive-related dysbiosis is an area of continuing growth. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of a natural intimate gel based on Cyperus esculentus L. hydro-ethanolic extract and beads of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus SL42 on the treatment and prevention of recurrent vulvovaginitis induced by C. albicans (RVVC) in vivo. Wistar rats treated with œstrogenic substances were divided into 6 groups: 2 control groups (infected or not with two separate vulvovaginal infections of 5 × 10⁴ cells/mL of C. albicans), 2 treatment groups (Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lcr35 or Econazole), and 2 prevention groups (10⁸ CFU/g of L. rhamnosus SL42 in xanthan beads embedded or not in the intimate hydro-ethanolic plant gel). The fluctuation in microbial colonization and the change of bacterial flora in rat vaginal mucosa after sowing probiotic bacteria were investigated by colony-forming units (CFUs) and microflora analysis. Histological evaluation, myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay, and ELISA analysis for Prostaglandin E2 on vaginal tissues were also performed. The data obtained highlighted that the intimate gel based on tigernut extract and containing L. rhamnosus SL42 beads significantly preserved vaginal tissue architecture and prevented vaginal inflammation, proving its efficacy for the management of RVVC and reducing the adhesion of C. albicans, as did the probiotic bacteria Lcr35. Hence, L. rhamnosus SL42 was proven to be a potential probiotic for VVC treatment and prevention in vivo, and it may have potential application in RVVC prevention products.