Combinatorial Pharmacotherapy of Herbal Medicine and Corticosteroids for Oral Lichen Planus: A Systematic Review

Background: This systematic review aims to analyze the effectiveness of the combination of herbal medicine and corticosteroids in oral lichen planus (OLP) management. By providing an updated insight into the medicinal properties of this combined treatment approach, the review seeks to address the current gap in the understanding of its therapeutic potential for this chronic premalignant disorder. Materials and Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and WanFang databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials comparing Chinese patent medicine (CPM) with corticosteroids and corticosteroids alone in treating OLP. Studies in English or Chinese that reported relief of symptoms and medicinal properties of CPM were included. Data on study and participant characteristics, intervention, and impact of therapy were extracted. Results: Nineteen randomized controlled trials with a total of 1,164 participants were included in the study. Eleven CPMs were identified, with reported outcomes including improved treatment effectiveness, reduced OLP recurrence rates, and mitigated drug-related complications. All studies reported that combinatory pharmacotherapy demonstrated a significant reduction in burning sensation, a decrease in lesion size and severity, and an improvement in treatment effectiveness as compared with the utilization of corticosteroid alone. Conclusion: The combination of herbal medicine and corticosteroids holds promise as a superior approach for OLP management. Further research is necessary to quantify the active chemical components within herbal remedies and elucidate their underlying mechanisms of action. Advanced scientific methods are crucial for validating the composition of CPMs and confirming their therapeutic effectiveness. The investigations are crucial to overcoming the limitations of the current treatment strategies for OLP and other oral potentially malignant disorders. Knowledge Transfer Statement: The findings of this systematic review provide valuable insights for clinicians regarding the potential benefits of combining herbal medicine with corticosteroids in the management of oral lichen planus. This information can aid in making informed decisions on treatment strategies to enhance the health outcomes of individuals affected by this condition.