The effect of Achillea Millefolium L. on vulvovaginal candidiasis compared with clotrimazole: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract Introduction Vulvovaginal candidiasis is the second most common cause of vulvovaginal infections. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of vaginal cream of Achillea millefolium extract in women with vulvovaginal candidiasis in comparison with vaginal clotrimazole. Materials and methods This double-blind randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 80 women diagnosed with vulvovaginal candidiasis clinically and by laboratory test; 40 women received vaginal cream clotrimazole 1% and 40 received vaginal cream containing the aqueous extract of A. millefolium for 7 days. Clinical and laboratory assessments were performed before and after the intervention. Minimum inhibitory concentration of the extract was evaluated with Broth micro-dilution procedure. Results The Dermatology life quality index score showed significant reduction in both groups after treatment, but it was significantly more reduced in control group (p  Discussion and conclusion Study results showed that vaginal cream containing A. millefolium could reduce the complaints of vulvovaginal candidiasis. But, future studies with a larger sample size and different dosages are recommended to assess the outcomes of this new treatment.