Motallebnejad, M., Akram, S., Moghadamnia, A., Moulana, Z., & Omidi, S. (2008). The effect of topical application of pure honey on radiation-induced mucositis: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice, 9(3), 40–47.

Patients received 20 mL pure, natural honey 14 minutes before radiotherapy, then 20 mL 15 minutes and six hours after radiotherapy. Honey was rinsed and gradually swallowed to coat the oral and pharyngeal mucosa.

• N (honey group) = 20
• N (control group [20 mL NS]) = 20
• KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Patients with head and neck cancer received radiation to a total dose of 50–60 Gy.
   

• RCT
  • Single-blind (examiner only)

• Mucositis severity was scored each week of radiation by one clinician blinded to groups.
• Oral Mucositis Assessment Scale (OMAS)

OMAS scores were significantly lower for the honey group than the control group for all weeks (p = 0.000). Significant differences were noted during week six of therapy. Mean weight loss was significantly higher in the control group (p = 0.000).

• Small study