30종 에센셜오일Gardnerella vaginalis 및 Lactobacillus vaginalis에 미치는 항균효과 연구

Antimicrobial Effects on 30 Types of Essential Oils Gardnerella vaginalis and Lactobacillus vaginalis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of common diseases for women of childbearing age. Gardnerella vaginalis is often found in such vaginal infection, but it is not always possible to experience symptoms. This condition happens when the balance of microbiota which is detected in the vagina of healthy women of childbearing age breaks. It appears that the direct cause of the problem is a decrease in lactobacillus which keeps the vaginal pH acidic by producing lactic acid. The vagina is a muscular tube linked with mucous membranes. It is higher than any other skin parts in terms of permeability. Therefore, it is important to closely check the ingredients of frequently used feminine washes. This study attempted to investigate the effects of 30 different essential oils on Gardnerella vaginalis and examine if they obstruct the maintenance of Lactobacillus vaginalis among those which keep the vaginal environment slightly acidic, considering the fact that they are used to stay protected from external aggressors. Regarding disc diffusion, Gardnerella vaginalis was compared to Lactobacillus vaginalis in terms of the size of the growth inhibition clear zone. In addition, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was measured, using the serial dilution technique, confirming the antimicrobial effects of Gardnerella vaginalis. The goal of this study is to provide basic data which are needed in developing safer feminine washes by finding essential oils which have no harm on the growth of Lactobacillus vaginalis.