Effectiveness of Green Tea Mouthwash on Radiation-Induced Mucositis in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: A Randomised Clinical Trial Publisher



Shirazian S¹ ; Manifar S¹ ; Kazemian A¹ ; Pourshahidi S¹ ; Rashtiani A¹ Show Affiliations
Source: Australian Journal of Herbal and Naturopathic Medicine Published:2023

Abstract

Introduction Oral mucositis is a condition that significantly impairs individuals and can be triggered by anticancer treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. It leads to inflammation and ulcers in the oral cavity during cancer treatment, posing limitations on the dosage. While cancer treatments can have various side effects, some are specific to certain tissues, such as mucositis, while others are more widespread, such as depression. Radiotherapy, in particular, produces reactive radical oxygen species (ROS) as a means of combating cancer cells, making it the primary cause of persistent oral mucositis. ROS can harm healthy cells, tissues, and blood vessels, directly contributing to mucosal damage. By inhibiting ROS, it is possible to decrease tissue damage and oral mucositis, thus alleviating an important and meaningful side effect for cancer patients. As green tea is rich in antioxidants, this research study investigated the effects of green tea on the prevention and treatment of mucositis caused by radiation in people with head and neck carcinoma. Methods This double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised control trial (RCT) included 30 patients with head and neck carcinoma being treated with radiotherapy at the Cancer Institute at Imam Khomeini Hospital at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Fifteen patients were randomly assigned to receive green tea mouthwash and 15 patients received saline solution (0.9%). We recorded the grade of mucositis, pain and burning sensation. All patients received their radiotherapy treatment for 6 weeks. An oral medicine specialist attended weekly up to 2 weeks after the end of the trial. Outcomes were assessed at 8 weeks. Results The severity of mucositis significantly decreased during weeks 5–8 in the study group compared to the control group. The severity of mucositis worsened in the control group. There were no significant differences between groups for pain. Conclusions Green tea mouthwash significantly reduced mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer but did not reduce the severity of pain compared to control. © 2023, Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia. All rights reserved.