FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF VAGINAL SUPPOSETORIES FROM TEA TREE OIL

Vaginal infections such as candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis are prevalent among women and often require antifungal and antibacterial treatments. This study aims to formulate and evaluate vaginal suppositories containing tea tree oil, a natural essential oil known for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. Suppositories were prepared using both lipophilic (cocoa butter) and hydrophilic (polyethylene glycol) bases through the molding method. The formulations were subjected to various physicochemical evaluations including weight variation, melting point, disintegration time, hardness, and content uniformity. In vitro antimicrobial activity was assessed against Candida albicans and Escherichia coli using the agar diffusion method. Results demonstrated that the tea tree oil suppositories met standard pharmacopeial requirements and exhibited significant antimicrobial activity, particularly in PEG-based formulations. The findings support the potential of tea tree oil as a natural therapeutic agent for vaginal infections and suggest that properly formulated suppositories could provide an effective and safe alternative to conventional treatments. The increasing prevalence of vaginal infections, particularly candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis, has highlighted the need for safe, effective, and patient-friendly treatment alternatives. Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is an essential oil with well-documented antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study was undertaken to formulate and evaluate vaginal suppositories incorporating tea tree oil, with the goal of providing a natural therapeutic option for the management of vaginal infections.