The effect of Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile) extract in Orabase on minor aphthous stomatitis, a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common and painful oral mucosal disease, however, its aetiology and pathogenesis is not entirely clear. Many therapeutic protocols have been tried, but effectiveness remains an issue. The aim of this study was to compare Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile) extract and triamcinolone in Orabase on oral mucosal minor aphthous stomatitis. The study was a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. 45 patients participated in the study; randomly divided into three groups. The first group received placebo, the second group triamcinolone in Orabase and the third group chamomile in Orabase. Four variables were assessed in the study, including, size of the ulcer, intensity of pain, time required to complete resolution of the ulcer and satisfaction of patients. Triamcinolone and chamomile in Orabase reduced ulcer size by day 3 and pain by days 3 and 6 similarly with a significant difference from the placebo group. But triamcinolone in Orabase was superior to both chamomile in Orabase and placebo at reducing size of the ulcers by day 6 and the time taken to complete resolution of the ulcers. In addition, chamomile in Orabase produced patient satisfaction. According to this study, chamomile decreased the pain of the ulcers and provided satisfaction for the patients.