Raspberry Leaf Herbal Extract Significantly Reduces Pain and Inflammation in Oral Lichen Planus Patients – A Case Series Analysis

Abstract

Oral lichen planus is a frequently occurring chronic mucocutaneous inflammatory disease characterized by erosion and ulceration. The incidence is 1.7% of the population and typically presents in the 60+ yrs age group. Current standard treatment uses topical steroids. This prospective case series analysis assessed the potential of the herb raspberry leaf (rubus idaeus) that is used traditionally by herbalists for symptomatic relief of oral ulcerative lesions. The active compounds are the small molecule flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol with demonstrated antioxidant, anticancer and chronic anti-inflammatory properties. Ten adult female subjects (mean age 69.3 yrs, SD 6.4) consented to participate in the herbal trial for 6 months. A standardized daily oral dose of 10ml (5ml BD) of professional grade high potency liquid extract (LE 1:1) was used. Results showed a significant reduction in pain intensity (p = 0.03) and clinical features of reticulation, erosion and ulceration (p = 0.007) at the end of the trial. No adverse clinical or systemic effects were observed in the subjects. In addition, dermal symptoms were improved. This study showed that raspberry leaf herbal extract is both a safe and efficacious treatment for oral lichen planus and potentially its dermal variant.