Lowers cancer treatment cost during radiation therapy
The plants used for herbal mouthwash have anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, mucolytic or analgesic properties, which are found to be effective individually or in various combinations. (Photo: DC/File)
Chennai: The Medical Superintendent of Regional Cancer Centre, Dr K. Ramadas says, “The liquid is a mix of equal quantities of powdered dried leaves and bark of neem (Azadiracta indica); fruits of amla (Emblica officinalis), yellow myrobalan/haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and beleric myrobalan/bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica); and dried liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) roots, all dissolved in water.”
The plants used for herbal mouthwash have anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, mucolytic or analgesic properties, which are found to be effective individually or in various combinations. The mouthwash works better on oral cancer patients or any other cancer patients, who are receiving radiation therapy. The mouthwash also combats ulcers and infections.
The mouthwash is found effective for the oral mucolitis, a painful side effect of radiation therapy given to cancer patients. As a result of cell death in reaction to chemo or radiotherapy, the mucosal lining of the mouth becomes thin, may slough off and then become red, inflamed and ulcerated, he says.
About oral mucositis, Ramadas says, “Oral mucositis is a severe pain, and the degree of pain is usually related to the extent of the tissue damage. The pain would be a burning sensation accompanied by reddening. Due to pain, the patient may experience trouble speaking, eating, or even opening the mouth.”
The mouthwash itself may not have anti-cancer properties, but by reducing toxicity it lowers treatment cost and hospitalisation while allowing patients to complete their treatment. The mouthwash has been developed, clinically tested and patented.
Dr G. Selvalakshmi, Radiation Oncologist, Cancer Institute, Adyar, says, “Side effects cannot be avoided in any treatment. But, advanced technologies are used to minimise the side effects. In case of oral mucositis, the problem usually appears at the end of the third or fourth week for a six-week course. During this time, the patient is given anti-bacterial mouthwash, painkillers, antibiotics and anti-fungals. There are instances where patients are reluctant to continue the radiation therapy, because of the pain. But, they are counselled by the psycho- oncologists in the institute.”
( Source : dc )
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