Aloe Vera: A multifaceted ayurvedic herb used in palliative care of oral cancer patients

Abstract

Introduction In recent years, more head and neck cancer patients have been treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy . Radiation‐induced mucositis , oral fibrosis, burning mouth syndrome are common and dose limiting toxicity of radiotherapy as well as chemotherapy among patients with head and neck cancers . A number of new agents applied locally or systemically to prevent or treat radiationinduced oral complications have been investigated, but there is no widely accepted prophylactic or effective treatment for them Objectives To review composition, actions , and clinical applications of ALOE VERA herb in palliative care of oral cancer patients . To establish its effectiveness as an invaluable adjunct in the treatment of oral cancer patients in palliative care. Methods A total 80 patients were randomized in double blind study to either AV(40patients)or placebo (40patients), at a dose 5mg three times a day. Avisual Analog Scale and subjective symptoms were used for rating pain , oral fibrosis , intra oral dryness, eating ability, oral discomfort . The patients were evaluated after 4 and 8 weeks. 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 pain , eating ability , and oral discomfort as graded by visual analogue scale. Conclusions Within the limitations of this study aloe vera is effective as a natural healer and anti oxidant agent for preservation of oral mucous membrane and reduces oral complications. As a potential choice, Aloe vera gel for palliative patients undergoing head and neck cancer treatment prevent oral complications.