The effects of oral garlic on vaginal candida colony counts: A randomised placebo controlled double-blind trial

Abstract

Objective: Garlic is effective against Candida species in vitro, and along with other alternative therapies, is used by women with vulvovaginal candidiasis. The objective of this study was to ascertain whether oral garlic reduced vaginal candida counts during the second half of the menstrual cycle in asymptomatic women colonised with Candida species. Design: A simple randomised double-blinded controlled trial. Setting: Melbourne, Australia. Sample: Sixty-three asymptomatic women who were culture-positive for Candida species at screening. Methods: Participants were randomised to three garlic tablets or placebo orally, twice daily, for 14 days. Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was th..