Vaginal and Reproductive Infections: Herbal Antimicrobial Strategies
Corresponding author: [email protected]
Abstract
Vaginal and reproductive tract infections (VRTIs) are a major health issue for women globally, significantly impacting reproductive health, maternal welfare, and overall quality of life. The rising prevalence of antibiotic resistance, persistent infections, and treatment-related side effects has heightened the quest for safer and more sustainable therapeutic options. Herbal antimicrobial strategies have emerged as viable approaches due to their broad-spectrum efficacy, immunomodulatory effects, and favourable safety profiles. This chapter provides a detailed examination of the aetiology, pathophysiology, and clinical relevance of prevalent vaginal and reproductive infections, while critically assessing the therapeutic efficacy of medicinal plants and their bioactive phytochemicals. Focus is directed towards phytochemicals including flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, phenolics, and essential oils, which exhibit antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects through various mechanisms. The chapter highlights the potential of evidence-based herbal antimicrobial strategies to complement conventional therapy in the management of women's reproductive infections.
Author Affiliations
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, Dr. Kolpe Institute of Pharmacy, Kolpewadi, Tal. Kopargaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar 423602, Maharashtra, India.
- 2 Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Rashtriya College of Pharmacy, Hatnoor, Tal. Kannad, Dist. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar 431102, Maharashtra, India.
- 3 Department of Pharmaceutics, SND College of Pharmacy, Babhulgaon, Tal. Yeola, Dist. Nashik 423401, Maharashtra, India.
- 4 Department of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, Dr. Kolpe Institute of Pharmacy, Kolpewadi, Tal. Kopargaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar 423602, Maharashtra, India.