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Glycerol Monolaurate Inhibits Candida and Gardnerella vaginalis In Vitro and In Vivo but Not Lactobacillus
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Glycerol Monolaurate Inhibits Candida and Gardnerella vaginalis In Vitro and In Vivo but Not Lactobacillus

Kristi L Strandberg, Marnie L Peterson, Ying-Chi Lin, Melinda C Pack, David J Chase and Patrick M Schlievert
Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, Vol.54(2), pp.597-601
02/2010
DOI: 10.1128/AAC.01151-09
PMCID: PMC2812150
PMID: 20008774
url
https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.01151-09View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

We investigated the effects of glycerol monolaurate (GML) on Lactobacillus , Candida , and Gardnerella vaginalis human vaginal microflora. Our previous work demonstrated that 6 months of GML treatment vaginally does not alter lactobacillus counts in monkeys. Candida and G. vaginalis are commonly associated with vaginal infections in women, many becoming chronic or recurrent. In vitro growth inhibition studies determined the effects of GML (0 to 500 μg/ml) against multiple Candida species and G. vaginalis . A randomized, double-blind study investigated the effects of GML on vaginal microflora Lactobacillus , Candida , and G. vaginalis in colonized or infected women ( n = 36). Women self-administered intravaginal gels containing 0% ( n = 14), 0.5% ( n = 13), or 5% ( n = 9) GML every 12 h for 2 days. Vaginal swabs were collected before and immediately after the first gel administration and 12 h after the final gel administration. Swabs were tested for Lactobacillus , Candida , G. vaginalis , and GML. In vitro GML concentrations of 500 μg/ml were candicidal for all species tested, while a concentration of 10 μg/ml was bactericidal for G. vaginalis . Control and GML gels applied vaginally in women did not alter vaginal pH or Lactobacillus counts. Control gels reduced G. vaginalis counts but not Candida counts, whereas GML gels reduced both Candida and G. vaginalis . No adverse events were reported by participating women. GML is antimicrobial for Candida and G. vaginalis in vitro . Vaginal GML gels in women do not affect Lactobacillus negatively but significantly reduce Candida and G. vaginalis .
Clinical Therapeutics

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