Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Lactobacillus pentosus is one of several probiotic strains that have been investigated for their role in supporting or treating vaginitis, especially bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vulvovaginal candidiasis. The rationale for its use is based on the well-established importance of normal vaginal flora, dominated by lactobacilli, in maintaining vaginal health and preventing the overgrowth of pathogenic organisms. L. pentosus has been isolated from healthy vaginal microbiota and has shown the ability to adhere to vaginal epithelial cells and inhibit the growth of pathogens such as Gardnerella vaginalis and Candida albicans in vitro.

There is emerging clinical evidence, albeit limited, supporting the use of L. pentosus—often in combination with other lactobacilli—as a probiotic treatment for vaginitis. A small number of clinical trials, such as those using intravaginal capsules containing L. pentosus and L. plantarum, have reported improvements in symptoms and restoration of healthy vaginal flora in women with bacterial vaginosis. However, most studies are small, sometimes open-label or without robust controls, and often use mixed probiotic formulations rather than L. pentosus alone. Systematic reviews generally conclude that lactobacilli-based probiotics are promising for recurrent BV and candidiasis prevention, but direct, high-quality evidence for L. pentosus monotherapy remains limited.

In summary, there is scientific plausibility and some clinical validation for L. pentosus in vaginitis, but the evidence base is moderate and further well-controlled studies are needed.

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