A Study on Sumac Mouth Rinse for Treating Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis

Sumac Mouth Rinse in the Management of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study With Biochemical Assessment)

This randomized controlled clinical study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a Sumac mouth rinse in the management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). In addition to assessing clinical improvement in ulcer healing and pain reduction, biochemical analysis will be performed by measuring serum TNF-α levels to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of Sumac.

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is one of the most common oral mucosal disorders, characterized by recurrent, painful ulcers that interfere with eating and speaking. The etiology of RAS is multifactorial and involves immune dysregulation and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, particularly tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).

Sumac (Rhus coriaria) is a natural herbal extract known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. This randomized controlled clinical study aims to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of a Sumac mouth rinse in promoting ulcer healing and reducing pain among patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

In addition to clinical assessment, biochemical evaluation of serum TNF-α levels will be performed before and after treatment to investigate the possible anti-inflammatory mechanism of Sumac. The study findings are expected to provide new insights into the potential therapeutic role of Sumac in managing RAS.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients aged 18 years or older
• Systemically healthy
• Patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis minor type
• Duration of ulcer does not exceed 2 days
• Oral pain score of 4 or higher on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with poor oral hygiene
• Smokers and alcohol users
• Pregnant or lactating females
• Patients with a history of any topical or systemic medication or steroid therapy within 1 month prior to the study
• Vulnerable populations such as prisoners or individuals with mental or physical disabilities