ABSTRACT
Background: Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disease. The anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and wound healing properties of aloe vera suggest its possible use in the management of oral lichen planus. Objectives: To clinically determine the effect of aloe vera juice and gel in the management of symptomatic oral lichen planus. Study Design: 30 subjects with symptomatic oral lichen planus and were randomly assigned into group A (n=15) and group B (n=15). Group A patients were instructed to drink 30ml of aloe vera juice twice daily before food and to apply aloe vera gel over the lesion twice daily for 8 weeks. Group B patients were instructed to apply aloe vera gel over the lesion twice daily for 8 weeks. The parameter assessed was burning sensation / pain and the size of the lesion. The follow up was done at intervals of 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks Results: The mean VAS scores of both the groups showed a statistically significant reduction (P<0.001). The reduction in the mean VAS scores of group A was more when compared with that of group B. No difference was observed with respect to the size of the lesion Conclusion: The study concluded that aloe vera is effective in the management of symptomatic oral lichen planus with minimal side effects.
ABSTRACT
Increased secretion of H2O2, O2- and lysozyme by human monocytes in vitro on treatment with cisplatin, rIFN-Y (interferon-Y), LPS (lipopolysaccharide) and MDP (muramyl dipeptide) is reported. It is suggested that increased production of these secretory products represent the activated state of monocytes. These in vitro activated monocytes could either kill the tumor cells via increased contact mediated cytolysis or cytolysis mediated via the release of the secretory products like H2O2, O2- and lysozyme.