Vedic Lifesciences completes enrollment for new study investigating symbiotic formulation on vaginal health

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Vedic Lifesciences (Mumbai, India), a full-service contract research organization has completed recruitment of a pilot study to investigate the ability of a symbiotic to reduce recurrent bacterial vaginosis (BV) by restoring the natural microflora. The randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study has recruited 60 women between the ages of 40 and 65. According to WebMD, the risk of BV infection is 6.2 times higher in menopausal women, and women who’ve had more than two pregnancies are nearly twice as likely to get infected.

Emerging evidence suggests that L. acidophilus could help maintain the vaginal microbiome and balance pH to avert issues like BV. “Bacterial vaginosis can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life,” said Shalini Srivastava, MD, director of clinical development for Vedic Lifesciences, in a press release. “The current clinical trial tests the efficacy of a probiotic suppository using gold standard gram staining test, Nugent Scoring System. Studies indicate that Nugent score positively correlates with Clue cells, the epithelial cells covered by adherent gram-negative rods.”

The investigational product is a unique Lactobacillus complex that consists of four strains, as well as a prebiotic complex and lactic acid. The products mode of actions includes the prevention of adhesion of harmful microbes to the vaginal surface. The blend may also restore homeostasis by promoting an acidic environment that would be conducive for the growth of lactobacilli. The study results are expected to be published in early 2023.