Australian Journal of Herbal and Naturopathic Medicine

Candida is a polyphyletic group of fungi significant in human health due to their opportunistic pathogenicity. Candida species Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida auris, Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida krusei, are responsible for most human fungal infections, and contribute variably to different forms of Candida infections (termed candidiasis, previously termed candidosis). Candidiasis ranges from mucosal infections like vulvovaginal candidiasis to more severe systemic infections, such as candidemia (infection of the bloodstream). Candida infections are influenced by several risk factors, including antibiotic use and immune dysfunction. Treatment strategies primarily involve antifungal agents, though emerging resistance, particularly in species like C. auris, poses significant challenges. This review details clinically important Candida species, their contribution to disease, and the rising threat of drug resistant strains. We also highlight risk factors for candidiasis and provide an overview of conventional antifungals and promising natural antifungal solutions. We conclude by discussing the prevention of Candida infections through dietary and lifestyle modifications.

Objective Rosa damascena (R. damascena) is known as one of the most common medicinal herbs for therapeutic use. The aim of this study was to compare the  effects of aromatherapy with R. damascena against metoclopramide on nausea, vomiting and sleep quality in pregnant women.

Methods In this blinded, randomised crossover, pilot trial, 40 patients with first pregnancy who had nausea and vomiting between 7–14 weeks of pregnancy were randomly divided into two groups. The group 1 (G1) was treated with inhalation of R. damascena oil and drops of placebo for five days, and the group 2 (G2) treated with inhalation of placebo oil and drops of metoclopramide. At five days, the groups were switched and the treatment continued for another five days. Nausea and sleep quality were assessed with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Rhodes Index of Nausea and Vomiting questionnaires.

Results Rhodes Index scores did not show significant differences between the two groups at the baseline, five and ten days after starting treatment; importantly, the Rhodes Index scores in the G1 and G2 were significantly reduced on the fifth day compared to the baseline value (p<0.001). However, changes in Rhodes Index scores were not significant on the tenth day compared to the fifth day in the both groups. Changes in PSQI score were also statistically non-significant in both groups.

Conclusion Aromatherapy with R. damascena was as effective as metoclopramide in controlling nausea and vomiting in these patients, but did not negatively affect sleep quality.

These abstracts are brief summaries of articles in recent issues of medical journals. Articles selected are of a general nature for the information of practitioners of naturopathy and herbal medicine. A dominant theme is often present throughout the journals which will be reflected in the reviews.

These abstracts are brief summaries of articles which have appeared in recent issues of herbal medicine journals, some of which may be held in the NHAA library.

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