TY - JOUR T1 - Antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of a standardized ayurvedic formulation explains its clinical efficacy as gargles in post-radiotherapy oral cancer patients JF - Journal of Herbal Medicine Y1 - 2021 A1 - Chavan, Sandeep A1 - Bhuvad, Sushama A1 - Kumbhlakar, Bhagyashri A1 - Auti, Jyoti A1 - Walunj, Tanhaji A1 - Pathak, Shridevi A1 - Tanpure, Rahul A1 - Gujar, Shweta A1 - Shinde, Jagdish A1 - Kulkarni, Arvind A1 - Gupta, Vidya A1 - Deshmukh, Vineeta A1 - Sardeshmukh, Sadanand KW - Anti-microbial KW - Antioxidant KW - Gandush KW - Gargle therapy KW - Oral cavity cancers KW - Radiotherapy side effects AB - Introduction: Exploring the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of a standardized proprietary poly-herbal powder and evaluating its clinical efficacy as an Ayurvedic gargle (Gandush) for reducing oral microbial load and side effects of radiotherapy in oral cavity cancer patients was the aim of this pilot study. Methods: Formulation (Gandush Churna) comprising Terminalia chebula Retz., Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb., Phyllanthus emblica L. and Curcuma longa L. and its decoction (Gandush Kwath) were standardized. In-vitro antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity against selective bacterial and fungal strains were studied. Oral cavity cancer patients who had undergone radiotherapy were enrolled. The decoction was prepared by soaking Gandush Churna in water, boiling and reducing by 50 %; and was used for gargling, twice a day, for 7 days. Total microbial count and identification of microbiota in the oral cavity as well as symptoms graded as per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, were noted before and after the treatment. Change in microbial load and shift in symptom gradations were analyzed. Results: A monograph with physicochemical, chromatography, safety and stability parameters was developed. The decoction possessed good in-vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Gargling therapy significantly reduced bacterial load while mildly controlled the fungal infection in oral cavity cancer patients. It significantly reduced the severity of symptoms viz. stomatitis and local pain, with considerably decreased xerostomia and dysphagia. Conclusions: Intervention of gargle therapy using poly-herbal formulation may serve as an effective complementary treatment to improve oral hygiene and reduce side effects of radiotherapy in oral cancer patients. VL - 30 U3 - Foreign U4 - 3.032 ER -