The extract from Pulsatilla decoction significantly inhibits fungal growth in vulvovaginal candidiasis, preserves vaginal mucosa, and reduces inflammation by activating the Protein kinase C delta/NLR family CARD domain-containing protein 4/Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist axis.
The study applied high performance liquid chromatography to identify the active ingredients in the Pulsatilla decoction extract. An estrogen-dependent vulvovaginal candidiasis mouse model was created for evaluation of the extract's effectiveness. The researchers thoroughly examined fungal presence and morphological changes in the mouse's vaginal cavity. They also explored the inflammation incited by the Candida albicans both in the live organism and under laboratory conditions.
The results indicate that the Pulsatilla decoction extract efficiently inhibited fungus growth in the mice's vagina contributing towards the maintenance of the vaginal mucosa integrity and substantial restraint of the inflammatory responses. This was achieved through the activation of the pathway including Protein kinase C delta, NLR family CARD domain-containing protein 4, and Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. Interestingly, this also resulted in suppressed response of the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 inflammasome, hence serving a therapeutic effect against vulvovaginal candidiasis. The impact of Pulsatilla decoction extract was found to be dose-dependent, and overall, the study shed light on this traditional Chinese medicine's mechanism in treating vulvovaginal candidiasis.
