The Vaginal Microbiome and Its Role in Women's Health
The vaginal microbiome is a complex microenvironment that
undergoes dynamic fluctuations throughout a woman's menstrual cycle and
lifetime. Vaginal infections are among the most common gynecological issues
faced by women [3]. Common vaginal infections include bacterial vaginosis,
vaginal candidiasis, etc [4].
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most prevalent vaginal
infection globally, caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota among
women of reproductive age. BV occurs when harmful bacteria overgrow, disrupting
the natural bacterial balance in the vagina [1].
The vaginal microbiome houses a diverse array of
microorganisms. A healthy vagina is
identified by the presence of Lactobacilli. These bacilli produce lactic acid,
biosurfactants, bacteriocin-like compounds, and hydrogen peroxide, which
acidify the vaginal environment creating a pH between 3.5-4.5, allowing
Lactobacilli to compete for nutrients and inhibit pathogenic microbial adhesion
and proliferation on vaginal surfaces. Together, this promotes a balanced
vaginal microbiome [2].
An imbalance with reduced Lactobacilli is associated with
various infections that can lead to vaginal dysbiosis. Dysbiosis relates to
conditions like bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, aerobic
vaginitis, and sexually transmitted infections. Serious health issues have been
linked to these infections, such as infertility, preterm birth, pelvic
inflammatory disease, premature membrane rupture, and miscarriage [2].
Maintaining a balanced vaginal microbiota is important for
women's health, as it reduces risks of infection, gynecological complications,
successful fertilization, and healthy pregnancy outcomes.
Our Formulation
Vaginal FLORA is formulated with clinically-documented
probiotic strains for vaginal health and overall feminine wellness.
HOWARU® Feminine containing 10Billion CFU of L. rhamnosus
HN001™ + L. acidophilus (La-14™)
These strains are resistant to the acidic environment of the
GI tract. Research shows that when consumed orally, the strains HOWARU® L.
rhamnosus HN001™ + L. acidophilus (La-14™) can migrate to the vaginal tract and
balance vaginal microbiota.
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical
trial , a group of healthy women consumed two HOWARU® Feminine capsules once
daily for 14 days. At the end of the study, women experienced a rise in vaginal
Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus levels, which
continued to increase for at least one week when compared to the placebo group.
In another clinical trial, 40 women with signs of vaginosis,
reported an increase in healthy vaginal bacteria after consuming HOWARU®
Feminine consistently for 15 days indicating probiotics’ benefits for balancing
vaginal microbiota. The women in the probiotic group also experienced a
decrease in self-assessed vaginal symptoms like itching or discharge.
The clinical trial results reveal HOWARU® Feminine targeted
ability to support healthy vaginal microbiota and address symptoms of recurring
vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis,
when used with antibiotic or anti-fungal therapy.
Mode of action:
The probiotic strains are able to survive passage through
the gastrointestinal acids due to their resistance to both acid and bile. This
allows the strains to enter the vaginal tract, where they subsequently
colonize. The probiotic strains then stimulate immune function in both the
gastrointestinal and vaginal tracts. Additionally, the strains produce lactic
acid, hydrogen peroxide, and bacteriocin, which helps re-establish and
normalize the healthy microbiota present in the vaginal environment.
References:
1. Kairys, Norah, Karen Carlson, and Manish Garg.
"Gardnerella Vaginalis." (2017).
2. Chen, X., et al. "The female vaginal microbiome in
health and bacterial vaginosis. Front. Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:
631972." (2021).
3. Chen, Xiaodi, et al. "The female vaginal microbiome
in health and bacterial vaginosis." Frontiers in cellular and infection
microbiology 11 (2021): 631972.
4. Tempera, G. "Vaginal infections: Epidemiology and
risk factors." Giornale Italiano di ostetricia e ginecologia 27.7/8
(2005): 280.
