Original article / research
Evaluation of Chamomile Tea in the Management of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: A Prospective Comparative Study
ZC94-ZC98
Correspondence
Dr. Kotha Pavani,
Assistant Professor, Room No. 1, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, SIBAR Institute of Dental Sciences, Takkellapadu, Guntur-522509, Andhra Pradesh, India.
E-mail: kothaapavani@gmail.com
Introduction: Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS) is among the most prevalent oral mucosal disorders, the aetiology of which remains unclear. Treatments suggested for RAS are often palliative to relieve pain, which include local anaesthetics, analgesics, corticosteroids, and immune modulators. Prolonged use of corticosteroids is correlated with several detrimental outcomes. There is a growing trend in the adoption of herbal medications as a more secure alternative for ulcer treatment. One among various alternative herbal treatment options includes Matricaria Chamomilla (MTC). Chamomile essential oil offers broad therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant actions. Hence, the rationale of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of chamomile tea in the management of RAS.
Aim: To analyse and compare the therapeutic efficacy of chamomile tea and topical triamcinolone acetonide in the management of RAS.
Materials and Methods: The present study was a prospective comparative study conducted at the Outpatient Department (OPD) of Oral Medicine and Radiology of SIBAR Institute of Dental Sciences, Takkellapadu, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India from October 2024 to December 2024. A total of 24 participants aged between 18 and 60 years, of both genders, who had developed aphthous stomatitis within the last 48 hours were included. The participants were divided into two groups, each consisting of 12 individuals. Group A was instructed to use chamomile tea twice a day for 1 week in a swish and spit method for 10 minutes, whereas group B was advised to use triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% w/w oral mucosal paste twice daily for a duration of one week. Burning sensation and size of the ulcer were assessed periodically using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and ruler, respectively. Descriptives were performed and categorical variables were analysed using the Chi-square test. An Independent t-test was utilised for intergroup comparisons, while repeated measures of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was applied for intragroup comparisons, with a significance level set at p<0.05.
Results: Intergroup comparison of VAS score of the ulcer between the chamomile group and the triamcinolone acetonide group showed reduced burning sensation, which was not statistically significant (p-value of 0.155). Intergroup comparison of the size of the ulcer between the chamomile group and the triamcinolone acetonide group at day 1, 3 and 7 showed a notable decrease by day 3. Intragroup comparison of burning sensation and VAS score showed statistically significant results with p<0.001.
Conclusion: Chamomile tea is effective in alleviating the burning sensation and reducing the size of the ulcer. Chamomile may serve as a potential herbal alternative in the management of RAS.