Carrageenan: Future Potential Ingredient of Lubricant and Feminine Hygiene Product with Possible Protection Effects against HPV Infection

Abstract

The discovery that human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the primary cause of cervical cancer has opened up new avenues for prevention. Carrageenans are attractive candidates for developing potential HPV prevention due to their actions against a wide range of viruses, mainly through the blocking of the viral attachment stage. In addition, they are characterised by low production costs, abundant availability, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity. This review presents an overview of in vitro and in vivo studies of carrageenan antiviral properties, availability, and future liquid-sexual material. Based on the results of previous studies, both in vitro and in vivo carrageenan has the potential to be applied as a lubricant and feminine cleanser because it can reduce HPV infection, is non-toxic, and non-allergenic.