Evidence supporting the use of: 3-Phenyllactic Acid
For the health condition: Thrush
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
3-Phenyllactic acid (PLA) is a naturally occurring organic acid produced by certain lactic acid bacteria, including strains used in food fermentation and some probiotics. Scientific interest in PLA stems from its demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, particularly its antifungal effects. Several in vitro studies have shown that PLA can inhibit the growth of Candida species, the primary causative agents of thrush (oral and vaginal candidiasis). For example, research published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology (2010) and Frontiers in Microbiology (2017) has documented PLA's ability to disrupt Candida biofilms and reduce fungal cell viability at micromolar concentrations.
The proposed mechanism involves PLA interfering with fungal cell wall integrity, membrane function, and metabolic processes. In addition, because PLA can be produced by certain probiotic bacteria, its presence is sometimes cited as a reason for the antifungal benefits of specific probiotic strains.
However, there is currently a lack of robust clinical evidence supporting the direct use of isolated PLA in humans for the treatment or prevention of thrush. Most data are from laboratory or animal models, and there are no well-conducted human trials investigating the efficacy and safety of PLA as a therapeutic agent for candidiasis. Therefore, while there is a scientific rationale and preclinical evidence for its antifungal action, the overall strength of evidence for its use in thrush is limited.
Other health conditions supported by 3-Phenyllactic Acid
Antibiotics (alternatives to)Fungal Infections
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Skin (infections)
Staph Infections
Thrush
Wounds and Sores
