Effect of honey and yogurt on vaginal candidiasis: A systematic review and meta- analysis of clinical trials

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is one of the most common gynecologic problems among the women of childbearing age. Considering the adverse effects of chemical therapies,  we performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effect of honey and yogurt on vaginal candidiasis.

 In this systematic review and meta-analysis we searched databases of PubMed, ISI Web of science, Scopus, Cochrane, SID, Magiran ,Irandoc , Google Scholar, using the following sets of keywords: (Vulvovaginal candidiasis, Genital vulvovaginal Candidiasis, Candidiasis, genital vulvovaginal, Candida albicans, Monilial vaginitis, Vaginal yeast infections, Yeast infections, Vaginal, Genital candidiasis, Vulvovaginal moniliasis), (Treatment, Azole, Antifungal agents, Antifungal fungicides, Therapeutic fungicides, clotrimazole, clotrimazole),(honey, Bee-honey),yogurt,(controlled trial, clinical trial)  and their Persian equivalent .Data were analyzed by Stata software. Heterogeneity was assessed by chi-square and I2 index and we used the random effects models to pool the data.

Heterogeneity analysis showed no heterogeneity between the results of studies in regard to complaints of itching, redness and vaginal inflammation and vaginal discharge caused by candida vulvovaginitis. After comparing honey & yogurt group with control group we found (95% CI: 0.09-0.99, p = 0.002, OR = 0.22) for clinical symptom of pruritus and (95% CI: 0.11-0.87; p = 0.026, OR=0.95) for clinical symptoms of redness and inflammation of vulva and vagina and and (95% CI: 0.13-0.82, OR = 0.32, p= 0.018) for vaginal discharge, which were statistically significant.

The results of meta-analysis showed that the effect of honey and yogurt on vaginal candidiasis was statistically significant. Therefore, honey and yogurt can be used as an alternative treatment or in addition to the chemical antifungal drugs in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis.
Keywords: Honey, Yogurt, Vaginal candidiasis, Systematic review, Meta- analysis