Longdan Xiegan decoction relieves symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis by regulating the inflammasome through the Toll-like receptor/MyD88 pathway.
In the methodology, female Kunming mice were divided into six groups and exposed to Candida albicans to create a model of vulvovaginal candidiasis. The mice's conditions were observed daily and the extent of their infections assessed via a variety of staining methods. Longdan Xiegan decoction and fluconazole (a positive control drug) were administered in different doses to the mice and their effects evaluated via measures such as fungal burden, inflammation, and the expression of specific proteins related to the immune response.
In the discussion of results, it was noted that the Candida albicans infection resulted in damage to the vaginal mucosa, increase in fungal presence and inflammation, and elevated expression of key immune-related proteins. Longdan Xiegan decoction at certain doses was found to effectively reduce all these effects; it lessened fungal burden, inflammation, and the expression of the target proteins. This indicates its potential to regulate the inflammatory response in vulvovaginal candidiasis, providing evidence for the decoction's historical use in treating this condition.
