The Sweet Remedy: Licorice’s Role in Treating Oral Ulcers
When it comes to treating recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), a common oral ulcerative disease, the medical community is always on the lookout for effective solutions. A recent systematic review dives into the therapeutic potential of licorice, a traditional remedy, for treating RAS.
The Source Article Details
Topical Licorice for Aphthous: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials by Fereshteh Dorsareh et al. in 2023.
The Source Article's Abstract
Background
Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is the most common ulcerative disease that affects oral mucosa. Glycyrrhiza glabra has been used for RAS treatment based on its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties.
Methods
Science Direct, Scopus, Cochrane databases, PubMed Google Scholar, and ResearchGate were searched up to September 2021 to find all English randomized clinical trials studying the effect of G. glabra, or its compositions on RAS.
Results
Six studies with 314 subjects were included after screening. Licorice has significant effects on RAS pain reduction, ulcer size, and healing time.
Conclusion
Licorice extract has been used in different dosage forms, including paste, patch, and mouthwash with concentrations of 1% or 5%. The healing time after licorice therapy is expected to be within 4-8 days.
Citing the Source Article (APA)
Dorsareh, F., Vahid-Dastjerdi, G., Bouyahya, A., Zarshenas, M.M., Rezaie, M., Yang, W.M., Amiri-Ardekani, E. (2023). Topical Licorice for Aphthous: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials. Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences, 48(5), 437-447. 10.30476/IJMS.2022.94467.2576
What the Research Says
The study is a systematic review that scrutinizes multiple randomized clinical trials. It focuses on the effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as licorice, in treating RAS.
After screening, six studies involving 314 subjects were included. The findings are promising: licorice significantly reduces RAS pain, decreases ulcer size, and shortens healing time.
Why Licorice?
Licorice has long been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. The study confirms that these properties are not just folklore; they have a scientific basis.
Its effectiveness is dose-dependent, and it also has antibacterial effects against specific oral bacteria, adding another layer to its therapeutic potential.
Implications for the Medical Profession
- Offers a natural alternative to topical steroids and analgesics.
- Could revolutionize the treatment approach for RAS.
- Opens up avenues for further research into traditional remedies.
PP-ICONS Quick Glance
- Problem: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)
- Patient or Population: 314 subjects in included studies
- Intervention: Topical licorice
- Comparison: Not specified
- Outcome: Reduction in pain, ulcer size, and healing time
- Number of Subjects: 314
- Statistics: Qualitative review, Jadad score ≥3 for inclusion
So, what do you think about the potential of licorice in treating oral ulcers? Could this be the breakthrough we’ve been waiting for? Share your thoughts below.