ABSTRACT
Bacterial vaginosis [BV] is one of most prevalent complications among fertile women. Metronidazole prescription which is considered the first choice remedy for BV is usually followed by few side-effects. Besides, there is a growing tendency toward herbal medicines for treatment of vaginitis. Antibacterial and antifugal effects of Zataria multiflora have been demonstrated through in-vitro and in-vivo. This study aimed to compare therapeutic effects of Zataria Multiflora vaginal cream and Metronidazole vaginal cream on bacterial vaginosis. This was a randomized clinical trial on 90 married women aged 18-40, affected by bacterial vaginosis who attended for treatment to gynecology clinic of "Shabih-Khani hospital". They randomly divided into two groups each consisted 45 participants. Diagnostic criteria were Amsel's criteria and gram-stain. Zataria Multiflora vaginal cream or Metronidazole vaginal gel was prescribed for a five-night period for each group. After 2 to 7 days of administration, therapeutic effects, complications and the Amsel criteria were reassessed. Data analysis was performed by McNemar test to compare both the complications, Amsel's criteria and gram-stain in each group in their before and after treatment course. Fisher exact test was applied to compare the therapeutic effects between two groups. Complication and the Amsel criteria significantly decreased after treating by Zataria Multiflora vaginal cream or Metronidazole vaginal gel [P<0.05]. Relative risk for unresponsiveness treatment with Zataria Multiflora, to Metronidazole treatment was 1.5 [CI 95%: 0.27-8.27] which was not significant and both had therefore, similar therapeutic effects on VB. Zataria Multiflora vaginal cream has similar therapeutic effects to Metronidazole vaginal gel on VB. Thus, it could be an appropriate choice for VB treatment for those interested in herbal medicines or affected by side-effects of Metronidazole