Giacomelli, I., Scartoni, D., Fiammetta, M., Baki, M., Zei, G., Muntoni, C., . . . Livi, L. (2015). Oral lapacho-based medication: An easy, safe, and feasible support to prevent and/or reduce oral mucositis during radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Nutrition and Cancer, 67, 1249–1254.
To demonstrate the benefits and tolerance of a multicomponent herbal oral agent for mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiation or combination therapy
Orasol plus solution (a mixture of lapacho, hyaluronic acid, green tea, calendula, erisiom, propolis, marigold, plantain, and mauve) was administered to patients from the first day of radiotherapy until the end of therapy. It was given at a dose of 10 ml three times daily. The authors indicated that it can be swallowed, but did not state how patients were instructed to use it.
Of the patients, 47.5% developed grade 1, 27.5% developed grade 2, and 10% developed grade 3 mucositis. Median Gy doses to the oral mucosa were lowest in those with grade 1 mucositis. Six patients did not develop mucositis. None of these patients was receiving radiation and chemotherapy. The prevalence of grade 2 or greater mucositis was higher among smokers (p < 0.02). One patient developed itching and one developed glossitis. Twenty-five percent needed an increase in dosage or additional analgesic therapy.
The herbal nutritional supplement tested here may have some benefit for the prevention of severe mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer during therapy. Additional research is needed to establish any benefit.
Very few interventions have been shown to be effective for the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis in patients receiving cancer treatment. The substance tested here appeared safe, and findings suggest that it may be beneficial; however, numerous study design limitations exist. Further research with this agent is needed to determine efficacy.