Natural remedies including specific ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine, Indian Ayurveda, and Japanese Kampo Medicine regimens have shown effectiveness against oral lichen planus, a cancer-related autoimmune disease.
The research analysed various studies concerning the effectiveness of ethnopharmacological treatments for oral lichen planus. These treatments were extracted from ancient regimens of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Indian Ayurveda, or Ayurvedic Medicine, and Japanese Kampo Medicine. Specifically, the team sought out information on the use of crude extracts, individual phytochemicals, and phyto-formulations and their impact on reducing the severity and pain associated with oral lichen planus. The sources of this information included in vivo, in vitro, and randomized controlled trial studies.
The gathered results included a range of crude phytoextracts, individual phytochemicals, and crude formulations, as well as specific herbal cocktails used in traditional Eastern medical practices. A comprehensive listing was developed consisting of the plant species, the parts used, the phytochemicals they contain, and duration of treatment. In summary, it was found that these evidence-based, traditional remedies offer a promising cost-effective and less toxic alternative to steroids commonly prescribed for oral lichen planus management.
