Francis, M., & Williams, S. (2013). Effectiveness of Indian turmeric powder with honey as complementary therapy on oral mucositis: A nursing perspective among cancer patients in Mysore. Nursing Journal of India, 105, 258–260.
To test the effectiveness of the application of a mixture of turmeric and honey on treatment-induced oral mucositis in patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy
Patients were randomly assigned to receive the mixture of turmeric and honey or to a control group that did not receive the intervention. The mixture was applied for five minutes before treatment and again five minutes after treatment. Study measures were obtained on days 2, 4, and 6 of treatment.
The mucositis score was significantly lower at all post measurements in the experimental group (p < 0.05). Scores were similar between groups at baseline, but subsequent measures were lower in the experimental group.
The combination of turmeric and honey may provide some protection against the development of oral mucositis and may provide benefit for treatment.
The results of this study suggest that turmeric and honey may have some promise in the management of oral mucositis, but this study has several substantial limitations. Further well-designed research is needed. One of the basic needs for preventing and managing oral mucositis is regular mouth care, the foundation of any intervention.