title: Comparative Efficacy of Aloe vera and Benzydamine Mouthwashes on Radiation-induced Oral Mucositis: A Triple-blind, Randomised, Controlled Clinical Trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the efficacy of an Aloe vera mouthwash with a benzydamine mouthwash in the alleviation of radiation- induced mucositis in head and neck cancer patients using a triple-blind, randomised controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-six eligible head and neck cancer patients who were to receive conventional radiation therapy at the radiation oncology department were randomised to receive an Aloe vera mouthwash or a benzydamine mouthwash. Mucositis severity was assessed during the course of radiation therapy using the WHO grading system.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At baseline, there was no difference in the distribution of mucositis severity between the two groups. The mean interval between radiation therapy and onset of mucositis was similar for both groups (Aloe vera 15.69±7.77 days, benzydamine 15.85±12.96 days). The mean interval between the start of radiation therapy and the maximum severity of mucositis were was also similar in both the Aloe vera and benzydamine groups (Aloe vera 23.38±10.75 days, benzydamine 23.54±15.45 days). Mean changes of mucositis severity over time in both groups were statistically similar and the effect of both treatments did not change signficantly with time (p=0.09).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Aloe vera mouthwash was as beneficial as benzydamine mouthwash in alleviating the severity of radiation-induced mucositis and showed no side effects. The Aloe vera mouthwash could be an alternative agent in the treatment of radiation-induced mucositis in patients with head and neck cancers.
authors.forename: Mahnaz
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sahebjamee
authors.forename: Arash
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mansourian
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hajimirzamohammad
authors.forename: Haji Mirza Mohammad
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Mohammad
authors.forename: Mohsen Taghi
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Zadeh
authors.forename: Reza
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bekhradi
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kazemian
authors.forename: Soheila
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Manifar
authors.forename: Sajjad
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ashnagar
authors.forename: Kiavash
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Doroudgar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000504:Aloe; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001591:Benzydamine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D011882:Radiotherapy, High-Energy; D013280:Stomatitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D009067:Mouthwashes; D010936:Plant Extracts; D001591:Benzydamine