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Canker Sores Related Terms • Aphthous Stomatitis Principal Proposed Natural Treatments • None Other Proposed Natural Treatments • :: Acidophilus, :: Calendula, :: Caraway, :: Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL), Lactic Acid, :: Oak Bark, Rhizophora mangle (Red Mangrove) , :: Slippery Elm, :: Vitamin B 1, :: Witch Hazel Canker sores are small ulcers in the mouth caused by an assortment of viruses. A susceptibility to canker sores tends to run in families. No successful conventional treatment is available. Proposed Natural Treatments for Canker Sores A highly preliminary study suggests that a chemically altered form of the herb licorice known as :: deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) may be useful for speeding the resolution of canker sores. 1 And, in a second, better designed trial employing a dissolving adhesive patch with glycyrrhiza root extract, researchers noted an improvement in ulcer size and pain compared to the use of a placebo patch. 8 A product containing vitamins and minerals as well as the herbs paprika, :: rosemary , :: peppermint , milfoil, :: hawthorn , and :: pumpkin seed has been used in Scandinavia for many years as a treatment for various mouth-related conditions. A small 6-month study reported that use of this product could reduce frequency of canker sores. 2 However, two subsequent studies failed to find any meaningful benefit. 3-4 One small double-blind study found benefits with an extract of the bark of the red mangrove tree, Rhizophora mangle . 5 A study performed in Iraq reported benefits through use of a mouthwash containing 5% lactic acid. 7 Other herbs and supplements sometimes recommended for canker sores but lacking supporting evidence include :: caraway , :: oak bark , :: witch hazel , :: acidophilus , :: calendula , :: slippery elm , and :: vitamin B 1 . One study failed to find that alpha-linolenic acid from perilla oil reduced incidence of canker sores. 6 References 1. Das SK, Das V, Gulati AK, et al. Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice in aphthous ulcers. J Assoc Physicians India . 1989;37:647. 2. Pedersen A, Hougen HP, Klausen B et al. LongoVital in the prevention of recurrent aphthous ulceration. J Oral Pathol Med . 1990;19:371-375. 3. Brateli J, Hakeberg M, Jontell M et al. The effect of LongoVital on recurrent aphthous stomatitis in a controlled clinical trial. Oral Health Prev Dent . 2005;3:3-8. 4. Kolseth I, Herlofson B, Pedersen A et al. Norwegian LongoVital and recurrent aphthous ulceration: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Oral Dis. 2005;11:374-378. 5. de Armas E, Sarracent Y, Marrero E et al. Efficacy of Rhizophora mangle aqueous bark extract (RMABE) in the treatment of aphthous ulcers: a pilot study. Curr Med Res Opin. 2005;21:1711-1715. 6. Hamazaki K, Itomura M, Hamazaki T et al. Effects of cooking plant oils on recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Nutrition. 2006 Feb 9. [Epub ahead of print] 7. Sharquie KE, Al-Tammimy SM, Al-Mashhadani S, et al. Lactic acid 5 percent mouthwash is an effective mode of therapy in treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcerations. Dermatol Online J. 2006;12:2. 8. Martin MD, Sherman J, van der Ven P, et al. A controlled trial of a dissolving oral patch concerning glycyrrhiza (licorice) herbal extract for the treatment of aphthous ulcers. Gen Dent. 2008;56:206-210;quiz 211-212, 224. Last reviewed August 2010 by :: EBSCO CAM Review Board Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2004 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved. |
