St. John's Wort is widely used herbal medicine in treatment of bruises, injuries and burns, which is based on its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and epitheliant effect. Certain vaginal disorders could be also treated by use of St. John's Wort preparations.
Three formulations of lipophilic ointments containing oil extract of Hypericum perforatum (Hyperici oleum), potentially applicable on skin or vaginal mucosa, have been prepared. Quantity of Hyperici oleum in formulation has been varied in a range of 30-50%. The antibacterial effect of prepared ointments has been evaluated by use of method of diffusion on blood-agar plate. Mixtures of ointment and Polysorbate 80 have been prepared prior to test application. Antibacterial effect was tested on five pathological bacterial strains: Streptococcus piogenes (two strains), Streptococcus viridans, Micrococcus luteus and Moraxella catarhalis, as well as on Lactobacillus acidophillus, which is a part of normal vaginal bacterial flora. Growth inhibition zones were measured after 24h of incubation on 37oC.
Inhibition of bacterial growth was registered for all tested strains, with exception of Lactobacillus acidophillus. As expected, by increasing the quantity of Hyperici oleum in ointment formulation, antibacterial effect increased as well. Further evaluation of the tested formulation will be performed.