Treatment for vaginal infections based on basil essential oil
Basil essential oil could soon be counted among the natural treatments for vaginal infections. According to a new study, the oil contains compounds capable of eradicating pathogens while respecting the balance of the vaginal microbiota.
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About this article
Basil extracts have powerful antimicrobial effects that could be used to restore imbalances in the vaginal flora responsible for bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis (vaginal yeast infection). These were the findings of a study recently carried out in Korea. 1
Fragile but precious vaginal lactobacilli
The vagina is home to a microbiota composed of several hundred bacterial species and a small number of fungi, including yeasts of the genus Candida. All of them contribute to maintaining a healthy environment. For example, lactobacilli secrete lactic acid, which acidifies the vaginal environment (maintaining a pH between 3.8 and 4.5), thereby helping to keep many pathogenic microorganisms at bay.
When the natural acidity of the vagina is disrupted or lactobacilli become depleted, an imbalance (dysbiosis) can develop, promoting proliferation of microorganisms associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), i.e. vaginal yeast infections (see box).
Bacterial vaginosis vs. vulvovaginal candidiasis: what are the differences?
Bacterial vaginosis
- Cause: abnormal proliferation of pathogenic bacteria (Gardnerella vaginalis, Fannyhessea vaginae, Chryseobacterium gleum, etc.) and a decrease in Lactobacillus.
- Prevalence: one quarter of women affected. 2
- Symptoms: unusual and foul-smelling vaginal discharge, itching, irritation, and a burning sensation when urinating.
Vaginal yeast infection (vulvovaginal candidiasis)
- Cause: abnormal proliferation of Candida albicans, a fungus naturally present in the vaginal flora.
- Prevalence: 75% of women affected at some point in their lives. 3
- Symptoms: itching, irritation, burning sensation, and abnormal vaginal discharge.
Search for alternative treatments
These infections are often still treated with antimicrobials, such as antibiotics or antifungals. However, the overuse of these treatments promotes the emergence of resistant bacteria and fungi and can affect populations of vaginal lactic acid bacteria, thereby weakening the vaginal microbiota.
Are there any effective and microbiota-friendly therapeutic alternatives to treat and prevent vaginal infections? A team of Korean researchers sought to answer this question by studying basil.
Basil, a traditional remedy for infections
Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is a medicinal plant traditionally used as a folk remedy in many cultures to treat respiratory infections, and has been shown to have powerful antibacterial effects due to its high content of bioactive compounds.
To assess its impact on vaginal microorganisms, the scientists tested the effect of various fractions of basil essential oil on in vitro cultures of the microorganisms involved in vaginitis: Gardnerella vaginalis, Fannyhessea vaginae, Chryseobacterium gleum, and Candida albicans.
Their results show that basil essential oil, even at low concentrations, has powerful antimicrobial effects against the four pathogens tested, without showing any toxicity to beneficial lactobacilli (Lactobacillus crispatus) or skin cells (dermal fibroblasts).
Basil, proven potential against infections
Several studies have examined the antimicrobial properties of basil essential oil. It has proven potential against:
- Urinary tract infections: acts against Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp. and Candida albicans 4;
- Respiratory and pulmonary infections: disrupts bacteria involved in pneumonia (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, etc.) 5;
- Hospital-acquired infections: hinders multi-resistant strains of E. coli in patients with respiratory, urinary, skin, and other infections 6;
- Candidiasis: blocks Candida albicans by disrupting its metabolism and membrane integrity. 7
Never use undiluted on the skin! Talk to a health professional.
Synergistic effect
A particular compound, called methyl trans-cinnamate, appears to explain some of these effects, but the researchers suspect a synergy exists between different molecules present in basil essential oil.
While these findings are encouraging, they relate solely to laboratory tests. Effectiveness as a treatment—and above all safety—still needs to be confirmed by clinical studies in women. In the meantime, avoid self-medication and seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist. While plants continue to be an interesting avenue of research, they are not a substitute for recommended treatments.
