Plant-Based Therapeutics for Oral Ulcers: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives

Author

Mathimugaselvan. K, Dr. G. Mariyappan, Dr. J. Karthi, Dr. S. Swarnalatha, Santhosh Kumar. G


Abstract

 Oral ulcers, encompassing recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) and chemotherapy- or radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis (OM), remain among the most common and distressing conditions affecting the oral mucosa. Conventional management relies heavily on topical corticosteroids, antiseptics, and analgesics, which provide symptomatic relief but carry risks of local and systemic adverse effects with long-term use. Over the past decade, a substantial body of preclinical and clinical research has examined plant-derived agents — including curcumin, aloe vera, liquorice, chamomile, Myrtus communis, honey, and propolis — as alternative or adjunctive therapies for oral ulcerative disease. This review synthesises evidence published largely within the last ten years, drawing on randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews, and network meta-analyses, to evaluate the efficacy, proposed mechanisms of action, and safety profile of plant-based therapeutics for oral ulcers. Across multiple trials, these agents have consistently reduced ulcer size, shortened healing time, and relieved pain, with efficacy in several studies approaching or matching that of triamcinolone acetonide and other standard agents, alongside a favourable tolerability profile. Emerging nanotechnology-based and mucoadhesive delivery platforms are discussed as strategies to overcome the poor bioavailability and short residence time that have historically limited the clinical translation of phytochemicals in the oral cavity. Despite encouraging findings, small sample sizes, heterogeneous formulations, and inconsistent outcome measures across studies limit definitive conclusions, underscoring the need for standardised, adequately powered trials.



Keywords

recurrent aphthous stomatitis; oral mucositis; medicinal plants; phytotherapy; curcumin; aloe vera; liquorice; honey; propolis; nanotechnology



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