Initial Investigations into the Development of Vaginal Suppositories Incorporating Liposomal Oregano Oil

Infections caused by Candida species account for a significant proportion of fungal infections affecting the vaginal mucosa. Traditional antifungal treatments have shown limited efficacy, which has led to the search for alternative products based on plant-derived extracts, which are often more effective and non-toxic according to existing research. Our research focused on the extraction of essential oil from Origanum vulgare L. and the evaluation of its antimicrobial properties, known for its high content of bioactive compounds such as carvacrol, which has proven antifungal effects. The Origanum vulgare L. plant was also analyzed through macro- and microscopic methods. The oregano oil was encapsulated in a liposomal formulation and evaluated for various properties, including appearance, surface charge, and particle size. The liposomal oil was then used to prepare vaginal suppositories, which were evaluated organoleptically and for their ability to release active compounds. Future work will include in vitro testing of the developed formulations, followed by in vivo evaluation.