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Intravaginal Formulation Strategies for Vaginal Disorders: Optimizing Phytochemical and Biological Preparations-A
1Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Republic of Korea.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Natural and biological vaginal preparations offer alternatives for recurrent vaginal disorders. Formulation type significantly impacts clinical utility, with creams/gels for convenience and suppositories for sustained release. Optimization beyond active ingredients is key.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products
Background:
- Recurrent vaginal disorders present ongoing clinical challenges.
- Antimicrobial and hormonal therapies have limitations.
- Natural, probiotic, and biological intravaginal preparations are explored as adjunctive therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize clinical evidence for phytochemical-based and biological intravaginal preparations.
- To evaluate the influence of dosage form, mucosal retention, drug release, and patient acceptability on clinical utility.
- To identify promising herbal and probiotic vaginal formulations.
Main Methods:
- Structured narrative review of 119 studies from six databases.
- Categorization of preparations into creams/gels, suppositories/vaginal tablets, douches/washes, probiotics, and combined types.
- Synthesis of clinical evidence focusing on formulation characteristics and efficacy.
Main Results:
- Creams and gels offered application convenience and local symptom relief.
- Suppositories and vaginal tablets provided longer mucosal contact and sustained drug exposure.
- Zataria multiflora and Sophora flavescens formulations showed consistent clinical signals; probiotic preparations targeted the microbiome.
Conclusions:
- Intravaginal formulation optimization is crucial for managing vaginal disorders.
- Evidence supports the clinical utility of various natural and biological preparations.
- Heterogeneity across studies limits direct comparisons, highlighting the need for standardized research.
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