Boric acid vaginal suppositories: a brief review Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Divine Aleru
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was reviewed?
This was a review of boric acid vaginal suppositories and their applications, particularly in the treatment of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (vaginal infections caused by yeast) and other forms of vaginitis.
Who was reviewed?
The review examined several studies and case reports that evaluated the effectiveness and safety of boric acid vaginal suppositories in treating various types of vaginal infections, particularly those caused by Candida species.
What were the most important findings?
The review highlighted boric acid as a potentially useful treatment for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, especially in cases where infections are resistant to common antifungal treatments, such as azoles. It was found that boric acid could be effective in treating infections caused by azole-resistant strains, including Candida glabrata and non-Candida albicans species. The antifungal activity of boric acid is thought to be due to its ability to disrupt the fungal cell membrane, although the exact mechanism remains unclear. In addition, while boric acid is generally well-tolerated in short-term use, its long-term safety remains uncertain. Studies indicated that it is not recommended as a first-line treatment, especially in uncomplicated cases, but could serve as an alternative for chronic or resistant infections. The review also found that boric acid has a low risk of systemic absorption when used intravaginally, with blood boron levels remaining low and within safe limits after typical treatment courses.
What are the greatest implications of this review?
The review suggests that boric acid could be a valuable option for treating chronic and azole-resistant forms of vaginitis, particularly when other antifungal treatments fail. This has important clinical implications for managing recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, as the increasing resistance to conventional antifungals presents a significant challenge. However, clinicians are advised to use boric acid cautiously, particularly in pregnant and lactating women, due to the lack of sufficient safety data. While it may not be suitable as a first-line treatment for all cases of vaginitis, it presents an alternative for more difficult-to-treat infections, especially in immunocompromised patients or those with antibiotic resistance.