Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title: Beneficial effects of a Coriolus versicolor -based vaginal gel on cervical epithelization,  
vagina l microbiota and vaginal health: A pilot study in asymptomatic women  
 
Version: 0 Date: 16 Oct 2016  
 
Reviewer: Ahmed Hefnawy  
 
Reviewer's report:  
 
This manuscript summarizes  a prospective pilot study conducted amid asymptomatic women 
demonstrating the positive effect of a vaginal gel usage containing Coriolus versicolor and other 
ingredients such as niosomes for 12 consecutive days towards improving vaginal microbiota, 
cervic al epithelization, and vaginal health.  
 
 
 
The field of vaginal based formulations is growing with continuous investment in newer 
preparations manufacturing, each competing for effectiveness & acceptability. While the study is 
in the pilot phase, it will be o f importance to the readers.     
 
 
 
 
Specific comments:  
 
Lines 84 -92: The authors explained the advantageous properties of the Coriolus versicolor -based 
vaginal gel. However, Can they demonstrate its merits over vaginal gels composed of estrogen 
and topical microbicides?  
 
 
Lines 119 -120: Please state the dosage used and the full chemical composition of the gel 
formulation.  
 
 
Lines 148 -149: The authors stated that both vaginal microbiota and the vaginal health Index were 
only assessed in 11 patients included in the Barcelona investigation site. Can the authors clar ify 
why haven't they evaluated the vaginal microbiota and the vaginal health Index at the Madrid site 
as well?  
 
 
Lines 188 -189: In the results section, has any patient experienced adverse effects due to using 
this preparation?  
 
 
Are the methods appropriate and well described?  
If not, please specify what is required in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Does the work include the necessary controls?  
If not, please specify which controls are required in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?  
If not, please explain in your comments to the autho rs. 
 
Yes 
 
Are you able to assess any statistics in the manuscript or would you recommend an  
additional statistical review?  
If an additional statistical review is recommended, please specify what aspects require further  
assessment in your comments to the edit ors. 
 
I am able to assess the statistics  
 
Quality of written English  
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:  
 
Acceptable  
 
Declaration of competing interests  
Please complete a declaration of competing interests, considering the following ques tions:  
 
1. Have you in the past five years received reimbursements, fees, funding, or salary from an  
organisation that may in any way gain or lose financially from the publication of this  
manuscript, either now or in the future?  
 
2. Do you hold any stocks or  shares in an organisation that may in any way gain or lose  
financially from the publication of this manuscript, either now or in the future?  
 
3. Do you hold or are you currently applying for any patents relating to the content of the  
manuscript?  
 
4. Have yo u received reimbursements, fees, funding, or salary from an organization that 
holds  or has applied for patents relating to the content of the manuscript?  
 
5. Do you have any other financial competing interests?  
 
6. Do you have any non -financial competing int erests in relation to this paper?  
If you can answer no to all of the above, write 'I declare that I have no competing interests' 
below.  If your reply is yes to any, please give details below.  
 
'I declare that I have no com peting interests'  
 
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