Novel neem leaves extract mouthwash therapy for oral lichen planus

Abstract

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a potentially malignant, chronic inflammatory condition affecting the oral cavity. Most of the patients have associated systemic conditions like hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism. Patients experience severe burning pain in the oral cavity. Although, the standard treatment for this condition is a corticosteroid, the associated side effects limit its prolonged use. Chronic topical use can lead to mucosal atrophy, secondary candidal infection and burning pain which could ultimately lead to dietary disturbance, psychological problems and negative impact on the quality of life. Therefore, an alternative approach like herbal therapy including neem tree leaves was tried in OLP patients. Aqueous neem leaves extract has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antifungal and anticancer agents in addition to various antioxidants, which could prove to be beneficial in treating OLP. This paper presents an herbal therapeutics case series of a novel aqueous neem leaves extract mouthwash therapy which was successful in resolving the signs and symptoms of OLP in four patients.