Randomized Control Study of the Effects of Turmeric Mouthwash on Oral Health Status, Treatment-Induced Mucositis, and Associated Oral Dysfunctions Among Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

Background Oral mucositis is the most severe and debilitating adverse effect of cancer treatment, resulting in inadequate nutritional intake, treatment disruptions, and dose alteration, leading to increased hospital costs and decreased tumor control. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of turmeric mouthwash on oral health status and onset and severity of treatment-induced oral mucositis and associated oral dysfunctions among head and neck cancer patients. Methods A randomized controlled design was adopted (CTRI/2018/06/014367). Turmeric mouthwash was administered to the experimental group (n = 46) and benzydamine mouthwash was given to the control group (n = 46). Oral health status and mucositis were graded using the Oral Health Assessment Tool and the World Health Organization oral toxicity criteria, respectively. Oral dysfunctions were measured by a patient-reported oral mucositis symptom scale and xerostomia short-form inventory. All outcome variables were measured weekly during the entire course of radiation therapy. Results Both groups were comparable with regard to their demographic and outcome variables ( P > .05). The incidence of intolerable mucositis in the control group was 100% compared with 17.8% in the experimental group. Repeated-measures analysis of variance demonstrated significant differences in the onset and severity of oral mucositis ( P = .001), oral health status ( P = .001), and oral dysfunctions ( P = .001) between the experimental and control groups. Conclusion Turmeric mouthwash was effective in reducing the severity of oral mucositis and associated oral dysfunctions as compared with benzydamine mouthwash. Implications Use of turmeric, a nontoxic and cost-effective intervention, can be an alternative to the traditional management of oral mucositis.