Anhydrous composition containing an acid-acid buffer system

Abstract

This invention relates to anhydrous compositions and methods of maintaining healthy vaginal pH to control vaginal odor. Such compositions may be applied to the vaginal area to lower vaginal pH and assist in maintaining such pH over a period of time.

Description

field of invention [0001] The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating vaginal disorders where the pH is elevated above the normal, healthy pH range of 3.8-4.5. The compositions can be used to treat or ameliorate a condition that raises the pH or to treat the presence of malodor, which is often caused by an elevated pH. Additionally, the composition can be used to maintain a healthy vaginal environment. Background of the invention [0002] The normal vaginal pH range is 3.8-4.5. At this pH, the microbial flora that inhabits a healthy vagina such as lactic acid bacteria thrive. Also, at this pH, conditioned bacterial growth and adhesion to the vaginal wall are inhibited. An important function of lactic acid bacteria is to regulate the normal vaginal flora. They do this by producing lactic acid, which maintains an acidic pH, and hydrogen peroxide, which inhibits catalase-negative bacteria. [0003] Certain activities a...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0007] However, Robinson et al. do not provide anhydrous compositions that would allow the polymer to be neutralized upon exposure to a relatively alkaline environment

[0008] Organic acids such as acetic acid, sorbic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid alone and applied to the vagina will lower the pH but cannot maintain a low pH because of their low buffering capacity

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