Candida Albicans Vaginitis in a Murine Model is Reduced by Polypeptide-Enriched Gastrodia Elata Extracts

Aim: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of polypeptide-enriched Gastrodia elata extracts (GE) on vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Materials & methods: A VVC model induced by Candida albicans (C. albicans) infection was successfully developed in BALB/c mice. After treatment, the colony-forming unit (CFU) of vaginal lavage was measured by plating. The extent of the inflammatory response was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: GE had an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of C. albicans and inflammatory reaction. Meanwhile, it had a potentially beneficial effect on the growth of Lactobacillus. Conclusion: These results showed the potential application of GE as an antifungal agent in VVC treatment.