Efficacy and Safety of Topical Chamomile in Treatment of Oral Lichen Planus

Abstract

Background: Management of oral lichen planus remains a clinical challenge. Topical corticosteroids are considered as the first-line therapy, but have undesirable side effects. Chamomile is a herbal remedy that has high treatment success potential due to its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Aim: This study aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness of topical chamomile cream versus triamcinolone acetonide in the management of oral lichen planus. Subjects and Methods: This randomized clinical trial included 34 patients with oral lichen planus who were randomly assigned to receive either 2% chamomile cream or 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide in orabase. The outcomes assessed were pain reduction measured by the numerical rating scale and clinical improvement assessed by Thongprasom scale. Patients were evaluated at baseline, after 2, and 4 weeks of treatment. Results: There was a statistically significantly improvement in pain score, total lesion size and Thongprasom score in both groups. However, comparison between the 2 groups resulted in no significant difference for all the outcomes, although TA had a better and faster clinical effect than Chamomile. Conclusion: Topical application of 2% chamomile cream can be used as a second line-treatment for OLP.