Comparison of the side effects of garlic tablet and oral metronidazole on the treatment of bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common gynecological infections during reproductive age. Although metronidazole is one of the most effective medications recommended as the first-line treatment, it has various side effects, and its further use could cause several problems for patients. Because of the side effects and contraindications of chemical medicines, using herbs has been investigated in treating of bacterial vaginosis. The aim of this study was to compare the side effects of garlic tablet (Garsin) and oral metronidazole for clinical treatment of the bacterial vaginosis. This randomized clinical trial was conducted in Iran on 120 married women aged 18-44, diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis based on the clinical Amsel criteria and Gram stain. These women were randomly divided into two groups of 60 persons treated with garlic and oral metronidazole for 7 days. Clinical Amsel criteria and Gram stain were checked 7 to 10 days after beginning the treatment period, and side effects were registered. Therapeutic effects of garlic are similar to metronidazole on bacterial vaginosis (chi- square, p=0.141). This study reveals that drug use in the majority of subjects in garlic and metronidazole, with no complications (85 vs 66.7 percent of cases). There are significant differences between the two treatment groups in terms of side effects; metronidazole has been associated with more complications (chi-square, p=0.032). This study reveals that garlic could be a suitable alternative for metronidazole in treatment of bacterial vaginosis for those affected by side effects of metronidazole.