Lactobacillus crispatus

Table of Contents

Other names

L. crispatus
Lactobacillus crispatus CTV-05
Vaginal Probiotic Strain

Synopsis

Lactobacillus crispatus is a species of lactic acid bacteria that is naturally found in the human microbiome, especially in the vaginal tract, where it plays a dominant role in maintaining a healthy microbial balance. It is a key component of the vaginal microbiota in many women and is considered a marker of optimal vaginal health due to its ability to produce high levels of lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and antimicrobial compounds that inhibit the growth of pathogens such as Gardnerella vaginalis, Candida albicans, and Escherichia coli.

Unlike some other probiotic strains that primarily colonize the gut, L. crispatus is specialized for the urogenital tract. Its presence is associated with a low vaginal pH, enhanced mucosal immunity, and reduced risk of bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). It is now included in targeted probiotic formulations for women’s health, often delivered orally or intravaginally in capsules or suppositories. It is also being studied for its potential to support fertility, reduce inflammation, and promote post-antibiotic microbial restoration in the vaginal ecosystem.

Historical Use:
Lactobacillus crispatus, like many specific probiotic species, was not identified until modern microbiology developed in the 20th century. However, the conditions it helps prevent or manage—such as vaginal infections, discharge, and irritation—have been observed and treated in women for millennia. Traditional medicine systems around the world, from Greco-Roman to Ayurvedic to East Asian, often addressed female reproductive and urinary health with herbal remedies, vaginal steams, fermented milk, and nutritional therapies believed to “cleanse,” balance, or restore vaginal health.

While these approaches did not involve intentional administration of L. crispatus, they may have supported its colonization indirectly. For instance, traditional diets rich in fermented dairy or plant-based foods, along with general hygiene and immune-boosting practices, likely helped create an internal environment favorable for beneficial lactobacilli.

The recognition of L. crispatus as a specific protective species within the vaginal microbiome emerged from studies in the late 20th century and accelerated with the advent of next-generation DNA sequencing in the 2000s. Researchers found that women whose microbiota were dominated by L. crispatus had fewer infections and better vaginal pH regulation. This has sparked a new generation of women’s health probiotics focused not just on gut flora, but on urogenital microbial ecology—representing a shift from generalized probiotics to precision strains with targeted benefits.

Uses: Health Conditions

Addictions (sugar or refined carbohydrates) (Neither)
Antibiotics (side effects of) (Scientific)
Bladder Infection (Scientific)
Diarrhea (Neither)
Infection (bacterial) (Scientific)
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (Scientific)
Lactose Intolerance (Neither)
Urinary Tract Infections (Scientific)
Vaginitis (Scientific)

Body Systems

Female Reproductive System (Science)
Immune System (Science)
Intestinal System (Science)
Urinary System (Science)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Mucus Membranes (Traditional)
Reproductive System (Traditional)
Small Intestines (Traditional)
Vagina (Traditional)
Appendix (Traditional)
Peyer’s patches (Traditional)