Comparative study of the antioxidant effects of lavender and flax oils in recurrent aphthous ulceration treatment

Background: Recurrent aphthous ulceration (RAU) is an inflammatory condition of unknown etiology characterized by painful recurrent (single or multiple) ulcerations of the oral mucosa. It is one of the most common and poorly understood mucosal disorders. It occurs more frequently in times of stress. Local and systemic conditions, genetic, immunologic, microbial factors, and oxidative stress may play a role in the pathogenesis of RAU. The objective of this study was to evaluate the free radical metabolism and antioxidant activity of RAU patients treated by lavender or flax oil paint. Materials and Methods: Sixty-six RAU patients were enrolled in this prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Analysis of the plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), Nitric oxide (NO), myeloperoxidase (MPO), Vit. E, Vit. C, and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) were determined. The ulcer size, healing time, and healing process were correlated to the plasma levels of the studied parameters for the assessment of the antioxidant mechanism of action of lavender and flax oil paint in the treatment of RAU. Results: Statistical analysis showed that lavender antioxidant action was higher than flax oil paint compared to placebo. The decreased oxidative stress and the damage caused by free radicals was significant in the lavender group than both flax group and placebo (P<0.001). Conclusion: This study proves the significant antioxidant mechanism of both lavender and flax in the treatment of RAU patients. Keywords: Recurrent aphthous ulceration (RAU), oxidative stress, antioxidants, lavender, flax

Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers (RAS) and Its Prevalence among People of Punjab

OBJECTIVE: At times neglected, an oral ulcer is usually benign in nature and resolves spontaneously, howevers, a small proportions of it are malignant in nature.AIM: To determine the prevalence of recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAS) screened in different locations in the Indian state of Punjab.Material and Methods: over a period of three months, a total of 2245 patients were screened among various camps organized around various states of Punjab using an ADA Type IV examination with recording a detailed family and medical history. Data was analysied using SPPS version 19.0.RESULTS: 779 patients presented with recurrent aphthous ulceration (34.7%). Females (413, 53.1%) were more commonly affected than males (366, 46.9%) with those being affected in the Patients in the third and fourth decade of their life and this difference was statistically significant. The most factor associated was stress stomatitis seen in 453 patients (58.2%). Food consumed was the second common factor related with the condition (121 patients, 15.5%), closely followed by nutritional deficiency (113 patients, 14.5%). There were no significant difference seen between any of the factors and the occurrence of RAS in the patients.CONCLUSION: It was revealed that recurrent aphthous ulceration is a common mucosal disorder in the people of Punjab. Early, proper and prompt diagnosis of the ulcers will help the dental practitioner in providing information to the patient, educate the patient regarding this condition and regarding and management of the condition.