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Open Access 01-12-2023 | Radiotherapy | Research

Prevention of radiotherapy-related oral mucositis with zinc and polyherbal mouthwash: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial

Authors: Marzieh Sahebnasagh, Vahideh Aksi, Fatemeh Eslami, Hossein Lashkardoost, Jamal Kasaian, Shiva Golmohammadzadeh, Bahareh Parkam, Reza Negarandeh, Fatemeh Saghafi, Adeleh Sahebnasagh

Published in: European Journal of Medical Research | Issue 1/2023

Abstract

Background

A significant percentage of head and neck cancer (HNCs) patients receiving RT experience oral mucositis (OM). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the polyherbal (containing chamomile, peppermint oil, Aloe vera, and honey) and zinc mouthwashes in comparison to the control (chlorhexidine) and placebo groups for prevention of radiation-induced OM.

Methods

This study was a double-blinded randomized clinical trial, conducted on 67 patients with HNCs undergoing radiotherapy. The eligible participants were randomized to receive either one of the following; zinc sulfate, polyherbal, chlorhexidine (Vi-one 0.2% CHX), or placebo mouthwash for 6 weeks. Follow-up evaluation of oral hygiene and the checklists of OM and the intensity of pain were filled out according to WHO assessment tool, Oral Mucositis Assessment Scale (OMAS), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) in all the participants weekly for seven consecutive weeks.

Results

The results of present clinical trial demonstrated that the use of either zinc sulfate or polyherbal mouthwash significantly reduced the scores of OM and the severity of pain during weeks 2 to 7 after consumption compared with the CHX or placebo mouthwashes (P < 0.05). According to the post hoc analysis and compared with the placebo, a significantly better result was reported for zinc sulfate and polyherbal mouthwashes at weeks 2 to 7, but not for the CHX mouthwash.

Conclusion

This study showed that the use of zinc sulfate or polyherbal mouthwashes is effective in prevention of both OM severity scores and pain related to OM intensity at weeks 2 to 7 following consumption in HNCs patients.

Trial registration IRCT20190123042475N1 and IRCT20190123042475N2. Registration date: 2019-06-09, 2019-07-26.

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Title: Prevention of radiotherapy-related oral mucositis with zinc and polyherbal mouthwash: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Marzieh Sahebnasagh
Vahideh Aksi
Fatemeh Eslami
Hossein Lashkardoost
Jamal Kasaian
Shiva Golmohammadzadeh
Bahareh Parkam
Reza Negarandeh
Fatemeh Saghafi
Adeleh Sahebnasagh
Publication date: 01-12-2023
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Radiotherapy
Published in: European Journal of Medical Research / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 2047-783X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-023-01015-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Prevention of radiotherapy-related oral mucositis with zinc and polyherbal mouthwash: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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