324P Aloe vera: an ancient herb for radiation induced xerostomia and oral fibrosis

Abstract

Aim/Background: The oral cavity is highly susceptible to direct and indirect toxic effects of ionizing radiation in cancer patients. Development of new treatment modalities to prevent cancer therapy-induced complications, especially xerostomia and oral fibrosis. As has been noted, it is essential that a multidisciplinary approach be used for oral management of the cancer patient before, during, and after cancer treatment. Oral complications from radiation to the head and neck can compromise patients' health and quality of life. Recently, herbal medicine have been used to treat radiation induced xerostomia and oral fibrosis. Here we conducted a double-blind, prospective, randomized trial, we determined whether oral aloe vera gel can reduce radiation-induced xerostomia and oral fibrosis in head-and-neck cancer patients. Methods: This study was started in Department of Dentistry with collaboration of Department of Radiotherapy in S.P.M.C., Bikaner, Rajasthan. A total of 150 subjects they were divided randomly into the following experimental groups: 1) Irradiated control group 2) aloe-vera experimental group. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected at the base line and 4 weeks after the usage of the 5 mg aloe vera gel. They were analyzed subjective symptoms as intra-oral dryness, eating ability and oral discomfort were graded by visual analogue scale. Results: Data analysis study groups that had been given aloe vera, by ANOVA showed that there was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in salivary flow, eating ability and oral discomfort as graded by visual analogue scale. Conclusions:Within the limitations of this study aloe vera is effective as a radioprotective or antioxidant agent for preservation of glandular tissue and reduce fibrosis, as it helped to maintain salivary function and oral comfort.