Francis, M., & Williams, S. (2013). Effectiveness of Indian turmeric powder with honey as complementary therapy on oral mucositis: A nursing perspective among cancer patients in Mysore. Nursing Journal of India, 105, 258–260.

Study Purpose

To test the effectiveness of the application of a mixture of turmeric and honey on treatment-induced oral mucositis in patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy

Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process

Patients were randomly assigned to receive the mixture of turmeric and honey or to a control group that did not receive the intervention. The mixture was applied for five minutes before treatment and again five minutes after treatment. Study measures were obtained on days 2, 4, and 6 of treatment.

Sample Characteristics

  • N = 60
  • AGE = 50% were between 50–60 years
  • MALES: Not provided, FEMALES: Not provided
  • KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Not provided
  • OTHER KEY SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS: Fifty-five percent were rinsing their mouth after eating, 56.7% were using toothpaste, and 51.7% were brushing their teeth once a day.

Setting

  • SITE: Single site  
  • SETTING TYPE: Not specified  
  • LOCATION: India

Phase of Care and Clinical Applications

  • PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment

Study Design

  • Randomized, controlled trial

Measurement Instruments/Methods

  • World Health Organization Oral Mucositis Scale

Results

The mucositis score was significantly lower at all post measurements in the experimental group (p < 0.05). Scores were similar between groups at baseline, but subsequent measures were lower in the experimental group.

Conclusions

The combination of turmeric and honey may provide some protection against the development of oral mucositis and may provide benefit for treatment.

Limitations

  • Small sample (< 100)
  • Risk of bias (no blinding)
  • Questionable protocol fidelity
  • Not all patients were performing mouth care, and the differences in this aspect between groups is unknown. The method of randomization was not stated. Treatment and disease type information were not provided.

Nursing Implications

The results of this study suggest that turmeric and honey may have some promise in the management of oral mucositis, but this study has several substantial limitations. Further well-designed research is needed. One of the basic needs for preventing and managing oral mucositis is regular mouth care, the foundation of any intervention.