Cabrera-Jaime, S., Martinez, C., Ferro-Garcia, T., Giner-Boya, P., Icart-Isern, T., Estrada-Masllorens, J.M., & Fernandez-Ortega, P. (2018). Efficacy of Plantago major, chlorhexidine 0.12% and sodium bicarbonate 5% solution in the treatment of oral mucositis in cancer patients with solid tumour: A feasibility randomised triple-blind phase III clinical trial. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 32, 40–47.
To evaluate/compare three treatments for oral mucositis: (1) Plantago major extract mouthwash, (2) chlorhexidine 0.12%, and (3) aqueous solution of 5% sodium bicarbonate for the treatment of oral mucositis in patients with solid tumors. Evaluation points included healing time, pain, oral intake, and quality of life.
Randomized controlled trial (phase 3)
The treatment was 14 days for all groups. All groups received education regarding the management of mucositis, a set of instructions, a diary to record signs and symptoms of mucositis, and instruction for proper storing of the mouthwashes. All participants were instructed to rinse with 8 ml of solution for two minutes every six hours. They were instructed to leave 15 minutes between the two mouthwashes.
Randomized controlled trial; investigators, participants, care providers, and statistician were all blinded.
In this small group, there is no advantage in using a chlorhexidine or Plantago major extract mouthwash in comparison to a double sodium bicarbonate solution. The latter is likely less expensive and more readily available
This study does not support the use of Plantago major or chlorhexidine mouthwashes over double doses of sodium bicarbonate 5% aqueous solution.