Research - Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD'S)
Chinese Herbal Formula Feilin Vaginal Gel Prevents the Cervicitis in Mouse Model
Xin Mao,1 Ronghua Zhao,1 Rongmei Yao,1,2 Shanshan Guo,1 Lei Bao,1Yingjie Gao,1 Jing Sun,1 Yanyan Bao,1 Yujing Shi,1 and Xiaolan Cui
Abstract
Cervicitis is a common sexually transmitted disease. In recent years, the abuse of antibiotic in the treatment of cervicitis results in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria; alternative strategies are needed to be developed. In this research, we investigated the effects of Feilin Vaginal Gel (FVG), a Chinese herbal formula, on the treatment of cervicitis. Two cervicitis models were optimized using BALB/c mouse; one in vitro model was established in HeLa cells. In Chlamydia trachomatis-induced cervicitis model, the high level of bacterial loads, the inflammation in tissue, and the cytokines in serum could be observed. With the administration of FVG, the bacterial loads in cervical mucus and cervix tissue could be significantly inhibited in dose-dependent manners. The pathological injury of cervix and vagina, as well as the levels of IL-2, IL-17, and MCP-1 in serum, could be mitigated by FVG. FVG reduced the number of inclusion induced by C. trachomatis in HeLa cells. In addition, the histological damage in Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus-induced cervicitis model could be reduced by FVG. These results suggest that FVG is capable of treating cervicitis through the inhibition of pathogens and the regulation of host immune responses. FVG may contribute as an alternative agent for the treatment of cervicitis.
Source : Journal Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
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Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don.: Extraordinary Bapedi medicinal herb for gonorrhoea
S.S. Semenya* and M. J. Potgieter
Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa
Abstract
The use of Catharanthus roseus by 30 Bapedi traditional healers to treat gonorrhoea in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, was investigated via a semi-structured questionnaire, supplemented with field observations. Results show that C. roseus is highly preferred by the majority (60%) of the interviewed healers, and that the pink form is exclusively used to treat gonorrhoea. This naturalised exotic species is actively being cultivated by healers in their home gardens for an easily available supply of material. The treatment of gonorrhoea by these healers using C. roseus was comparable in terms of the preparation method of the extract, including plant part (root) used and boiling time (20 min), as well as the administration procedure (oral prescription), dosage strength (300 ml three times per day) and treatment period (seven days). The current study concludes that C. roseus extracts might be effective against Neisseria gonorrhoea.
Source : Journal of Medicinal Plant Research
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