curcumin and Vaginal-Diseases

Women face unique pathologies and challenges related to the female genital tract (FGT), including vaginal infections and gynecologic cancers. Vaginal infections faced by women include bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VC), and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Curcumin, a component of the dietary spice turmeric, has immense biological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory/immunomodulatory, and anticancer effects. It has no side effects and is well-tolerated, making it an ideal treatment modality highly desired by women. Recently, our laboratory showed, for the first time ever, that curcumin exhibits a spermicidal and broad-spectrum microbicidal activity against several species of bacteria and yeast involved in vaginal infections. Thus, it could provide a novel, non-steroidal contraceptive having both spermicidal and microbicidal properties and can be panacea in women for treatment of several FGT pathologies, including gynecologic cancers.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents; Contraceptive Agents, Female; Curcumin; Female; Humans; Vaginal Diseases

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been directly related to acuminate warts and cervical cancer, the second most common neoplasia among women. Given the lack of treatment against the virus itself, many medications have been utilised, mainly aiming in modifying the host's immunological response. We present the case of a 54 years old postmenopausal patient with a history of vaginal cuff wart and HPV persistence that we managed in our clinic for 6 months with a mix of curcumin, aloe vera, amla and other natural ingredients. As the patient was found to be intolerant to imiquimod (one of the most common conservative methods of treatment) we attempted the use of curcumin, which was applied to the area of the wart three times per week for 6 months. Both clinical and colposcopical improvement was noted in regular clinic visits with regression of the lesion. The outcome of this case encourages our view that curcumin should be considered as a significant treatment modality against HPV infection and acuminate warts.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Antineoplastic Agents; beta-Glucans; Colposcopy; Condylomata Acuminata; Curcumin; Drug Combinations; Fatty Alcohols; Female; Humans; Imiquimod; Lactic Acid; Middle Aged; Papanicolaou Test; Papillomavirus Infections; Phyllanthus emblica; Phytotherapy; Plant Preparations; Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions of the Cervix; Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies; Vaginal Diseases; Vaginal Smears