An Herbal Remedy for Mouth Lesions Caused by Lichen Planus

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An Herbal Remedy for Mouth Lesions Caused by Lichen Planus

Lichen planus is a condition that results in rashes and lesions in the mouth.

Herbal Remedies for Lichen Planus

Nobody knows what causes lichen planus, a condition that results in mouth lesions and skin rashes. Physicians, however, strongly suspect that their patients’ own immune systems, or responses to foreign substances that produce an allergic reaction, are behind it. Traditional treatments include antihistamines, corticosteroids, numbing mouthwashes and soothing creams — all directed at easing symptoms. Now some researchers think that a handful of herbal remedies may someday join the list of symptom-relieving remedies for this disease.

The best estimate of how many people have lichen planus is a very rough one: about one percent of men and 1.6 percent of women; and most sufferers are middle-aged. While mild symptoms may not require treatment, there are plenty of people who would welcome a cure or better treatments for tender or painful mouth lesions or itchy skin rashes.

A review of the few research papers that describe experiments testing the effectiveness of herbs suggests that aloe vera, purslane and curcumin may have potential for healing mouth lesions associated with lichen planus. When the condition is associated hepatitis C infection, preliminary studies suggest that licorice might be worth a closer look in more controlled, scientific studies.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, lichen planus in most cases is not harmful and goes away by itself in 18 months or sooner. A sore in the mouth that lasts much longer than that should be treated aggressively because it can become malignant. Check with your physician if your symptoms linger, get worse or if the appearance of the sores or rash changes.

SUPPORTING RESEARCH

Methodology

In the present review, studies done on the beneficial effects of various herbs in the treatment of oral lichen planus were primarily included. To know the effect of aloe vera, a Thai double-blind study conducted on 54 adults was analyzed. An Iranian clinical trial using purslane weed was also included in the review. Turmeric has been used for ages in the treatment of various skin disorders in many parts of Asia. There are studies conducted to know the efficacy of turmeric in alleviating the symptoms of lichen planus. The utility of herbs which decrease immunity, such as “thunder god vine” root bark; herbs with an astringent property, such as tormentil; and herbs which reduce stress, such as licorice, were also assessed.

Key findings

* Compared to the placebo group, patients who received aloe vera experienced 50 percent higher healing of ulcers of oral lichen planus. “Nine patients taking aloe had complete remission of all symptoms compared to one taking placebo — a significant difference.” Trials with purslane also yielded similar results.
* Curcumin, an active compound present in turmeric, has a therapeutic effect. To be useful in oral lichen planus, it has to be consumed in a very high dose of more than 1,000 mg twice per day.
* “Thunder god vine” root bark has a strong immunosuppressive property. Although it is useful in treating lichen planus, there are many side effects that it has.
* Licorice is especially useful in treating lichen planus, which is caused due to hepatitis C virus infection. Astringents, such as tormentil, coat the ulcers and help in healing by protecting the ulcer from the irritation caused by saliva and food.

Conclusion

This review has highlighted the therapeutic usefulness of various herbs in the treatment of oral ulcers, which occur in lichen planus. Most of these herbs, unlike steroids, have very few side effects. According to the authors, lichen planus occurs because of leaky gut, stress and allergic reactions. Herbs used in the treatment of lichen planus either correct the leaky gut or they decrease the immunological reaction. There is a need to increase the use of these herbs in the routine treatment of lichen planus. There are many others herbs which are used in the treatment of symptoms of lichen planus, such as marshmallow and holly rock leaves. Systematic clinical trials need to be conducted on these herbs so that their utility can be scientifically confirmed.