Definition

A vaginal capsule formulation containing the lactic acid-producing bacterium Lactobacillus vaginalis (L. vaginalis), with vaginal healing, soothing, protective and immunomodulating activities. Upon intravaginal application of the L. vaginalis-containing vaginal capsule, L. vaginalis provides the naturally occurring vaginal bacterium to a dysregulated vaginal microbiome, and thereby restores the vaginal Lactobacillus flora to an optimal vaginal lactobacillus-dominated microbiota. L. vaginalis produces efficient levels of lactic acid, which normalizes and restores a healthy vaginal pH. Altogether, this enhances epithelial barrier integrity and barrier protection, and may prevent or improve various vulvovaginal symptoms, such as vulvovaginal atrophy, vaginal dryness, difficulty with intercourse, genital skin irritation, itching, burning, vaginal pain, bleeding, increased vaginal discharge and an unpleasant odor. In addition, a healthy vaginal microbiome provides immunomodulation and may prevent inflammation and infection. L. vaginalis, normally proliferating in the anaerobic environment of a healthy vagina, produces various antimicrobial compounds such as lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and bacteriocins and maintains vaginal health.