Lycocelle Intimate Laundry Detergent: Killing Candida

What is Candida albicans?

Candida albicans is a species of yeast/fungus in the family Candidaceae, which is a normal, commensal microorganism of the female genital tract, the oropharyngeal mucosa, and the gastrointestinal tract. However, perturbations in pH and/or of the normal flora, age, diabetes, pregnancy, oral contraceptive use, repeated antibiotic use, skin lesions, or immunocompromised conditions such as HIV infection, can foster abnormal growth. This may be a significant issue especially for hospitalized patients that may cause systemic fungal infection. Though for most people, a fungal infection is an uncomplicated nuisance that may result in thrush, vaginal fungal infection or may manifest on the scalp, or skin, especially places where moisture can remain such as the genitals, undersides of breasts (or chapped nipples of breastfeeding mothers), and armpits.

Lycocelle Plant Extract Formulation

Unfortunately, if you suffer from these pesky superficial infections, the fungus can survive and proliferate on clothing for extended periods. Lycocelle Intimate laundry detergent is a gentle formulation which is free of harsh chemicals and irritating perfumes and also contains ingredients to combat yeast. First of all, it contains gentle, plant-derived surfactants which not only contribute to the cleansing and foaming action of the detergent, but can also compromise microbial proteins and cell membranes and therefore, have some antimicrobial action against yeast.

Lycocelle detergent importantly, contains pure plant extracts of the Kawakawa (Piper excelsum) and Horopito (Pseudowintera colorata) plants, which are endemic species found in New Zealand where these all-natural detergents are produced. The Kawakawa plant, a member of the Piperacae family, has compounds such as amides and alkaloids and various terpenes which are, among other things, naturally fungicidal. The plant extract from Horopito has a chemical constituent called sesquiterpene dialdehyde polygodial which is fungicidal against Candida albicans.

 

 

 

Candida albicans and other fungi thrive in moist, dark regions. Therefore, there are several practices one should employ to quell yeast proliferation and to reduce the probability of infection, including:

• Changing undergarments frequently, especially when moist such as after intense physical activity and sweating.
• Keeping your intimate regions clean and dry .
• Cleaning skin and clothing with mild, non-abrasive, unscented soaps and detergents.
• Wear loose fitting clothing, preferably made with natural fibers like cotton.
• Consider going commando during the night to keep the skin clean and dry.
• Treating infections with appropriate antifungal medications and living a healthy lifestyle.
• Avoid scented products which can irritate skin, elicit allergic reactions and rashes, and make infection more likely.

 

Laundering tips

Aside from using our detergent which was designed specifically for cleansing delicate undergarments by using mild, unscented, non-irritating and natural ingredients. There are some additional factors that can enhance disinfection of clothing, such as:

• Using hot water in your wash at a temperature of 60°C or 140°F.
• Drying clothing in the sun or in a dryer, as high temperatures and ultraviolet rays can inactivate yeast.
• Wash intimate clothing like underwear and bras separate from towels to avoid cross contamination.
• Clean laundry often and do not allow it to sit in heaps for extended periods of time.
• Allow wet garments or towels to dry after use or wash, as yeast and bacteria proliferate when left damp and rumpled.

 

 

References

 Johnson, T. C. (2020, January 16). Yeast infection prevention: 10 ways to Prevent CANDIDAL VULVOVAGINITIS. Retrieved February 11, 2021, from https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/10-ways-to-prevent-yeast-infections.

Kill more germs when you do laundry. (2019, November 14). Retrieved February 11, 2021, from https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ss/slideshow-hiding-laundry.

Mayer, F., Wilson, D., & Hube, B. (2013, February 15). Candida albicans pathogenicity mechanisms. Retrieved February 11, 2021, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3654610/.

Mcllory, C. E. (2021). Optimal Rx: Horopito (pseudowintera colorata). Retrieved from http://www.optimalrx.com.au/assets/PDFs/OptimalRx%20HoropitoTech%20Sheet.pdf.

Morandim-Giannetti, A. A., Pin, A. R., Santo pietro, N. A., De Oliveira, H. C., Giannini, M. M., Alecio, A. C., . . . Furlan, M. (2010). Composition and antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Candida krusei and Cryptococcus neoformans of essential oils from leaves of Piper and Peperomia species. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 4(17), 1810-1814. doi:10.5897/JMPR09.303

NIH. (2021). NCATS INXIGHT: Drugs - polygodial. Retrieved February 11, 2021, from https://drugs.ncats.io/drug/5FAF7T66M7.

Rekstis, E. (2019). 8 Underwear Rules to Live by for a Healthy Vagina. Retrieved 2021, from https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/underwear-hygiene#1.-Overall,-choose-natural-fabrics-specifically-cotton.

Xiang, C., Shi, Y., Liu, F., Li, H., Zhang, Y., Yang, C., & Xu, M. (2016). A survey of the chemical compounds of piper spp. (piperaceae) and their biological activities. Natural Product Communications, 11(9). doi:10.1177/1934578x1601100948