[ effect of purslane in the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis]

ABSTRACT

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis [RAS] is a common disease with unknown etiology. There is no curative treatment. Purslane is considered as a rich source of antioxidants with anti-inflammatory effects. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of Purslane in the treatment of RAS. A total of 50 patients were selected for this randomized triple-blind placebocontrolled clinical trial from School of Dentistry of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2011. All subjects were randomly divided into two groups. Groups A and B received placebo and Purslane, respectively, for three months. Pain intensity based on the visual analogue scale [VAS], the mean intervals of lesions occurrence, number of lesions and the mean duration of complete healing at baseline and at months 1, 2 and 3 were recorded. While no patient complained from increased severity of pain, decreased severity of pain for 4, 3, 2, and 1 grades were recorded in%16,%20, 20%, and 40%, respectively, which were much higher than 4%, 8%, 8%, and 28%, respectively, in the control group. A significant decrease in pain intensity in VAS scores were seen after treatment in group B [P<0.001]. The mean duration of complete healing showed significant differences [P<0.001] between groups A [-1.52 +/- 4.07 days] and group B [-6.56 +/- 4.50 days]. The mean intervals between lesions also showed significant differences [P<0.001] between group A [17.88 days] and group B [33.12 days]. No significant differences were found between group A and group B regarding to number of lesions. No serious side-effects occurred in either group. According to our study, Purslane is clinically effective in treatment of RAS and considering the lack of side-effects during the study period, this medicine may be a favorable alternative treatment for recurrent aphthous stomatitis.