The effect of “Curcuma Longa” topical gel on radiation -induced oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer

Background: Different treatment and protec ve approaches for radia oninduced oral mucosi s have been prac ced and have varie es of success. Of which, radioprotec ve agents, synthe c or natural, have been of great interest for researchers. This study aims to evaluate the effect of curcuma longa topical gel as a herbal produc on on mucosi s induced by radia on therapy of head and neck cancers. Materials and Methods: Thirty seven pa ents with head and neck cancer admi ed for radia on therapy were selected. The pa ents were given curcuma longa or placebo topical gel for 8 weeks since the ini a on of the radiotherapy, and were evaluated weekly for the presence and the extent of oral mucosi s. Results: No grade-3 mucosi s was observed in pa ents who used curcuma longa topical gel, and the grade of the mucosi s was significantly different between the two groups with be er effects found in case group compared to controls. No significant difference between the case and control groups was observed when comparing the me of appearing the first signs of mucosi s. Oral lesions in case group were significantly smaller than that of control group. Conclusion: This study showed that the topical gel, containing curcuma longa’s derivate, can effec vely reduce the oral symptoms of mucosi s in pa ents undergoing head and neck cancer radiotherapy. This herbal drug improves the grade of mucosi s and reduces the size of oral lesions resul ng from radiotherapy to the head and neck region.