Antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of a standardized ayurvedic formulation explains its clinical efficacy as gargles in post-radiotherapy oral cancer patients

TitleAntimicrobial and antioxidant potential of a standardized ayurvedic formulation explains its clinical efficacy as gargles in post-radiotherapy oral cancer patients
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2021
AuthorsChavan, S, Bhuvad, S, Kumbhlakar, B, Auti, J, Walunj, T, Pathak, S, Tanpure, R, Gujar, S, Shinde, J, Kulkarni, A, Gupta, V, Deshmukh, V, Sardeshmukh, S
JournalJournal of Herbal Medicine
Volume30
Pagination100510
Date PublishedDEC
Type of ArticleArticle
ISSN2210-8033
KeywordsAnti-microbial, Antioxidant, Gandush, Gargle therapy, Oral cavity cancers, Radiotherapy side effects
AbstractIntroduction: 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.
DOI10.1016/j.hermed.2021.100510
Type of Journal (Indian or Foreign)Foreign
Impact Factor (IF)3.032
Divison category: 
Biochemical Sciences

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