The effects of oral garlic on vaginal candida colony counts: a randomised placebo controlled double-blind trial

ObjectiveGarlic is effective against Candida species invitro, and along with other alternative therapies, is used by women with vulvovaginal candidiasis. The objective of this study was to ascertain whether oral garlic reduced vaginal candida counts during the second half of the menstrual cycle in asymptomatic women colonised with Candida species. DesignA simple randomised double-blinded controlled trial. SettingMelbourne, Australia. SampleSixty-three asymptomatic women who were culture-positive for Candida species at screening. MethodsParticipants were randomised to three garlic tablets or placebo orally, twice daily, for 14days. Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was the proportion of women with colony counts of candida >100 colony-forming units per ml in any given day during the last 7days before menstruation, defined as a case'. Secondary outcomes included the mean quantitative colony counts of candida over 14days prior to menses. ResultsThere was no evidence of a difference between the proportion of cases in the garlic and placebo groups (76 versus 90%; relative risk, RR0.85; 95% confidence interval, 95%CI 0.67-1.08), in the mean colony counts in both groups (ratio of geometric means of candidal colony counts 0.63; 95%CI 0.39-10.03; P=0.74), or difference in the number of women reporting abnormal vaginal symptoms during the 2weeks before menstruation (RR1.03; 95%CI 0.67-1.58; P=0.91). The garlic group reported more adverse effects (83% compared 43% in the placebo group; difference in proportions 39%; 95%CI 17-%; P<0.01). ConclusionsThis study provided data for sample size calculations in future studies on the antifungal effect of garlic, but provided no evidence to inform clinical practice regarding the use of garlic in vaginal candidiasis. Further studies might investigate longer courses or topical formulations.