Effectiveness Not Established

Calendula Officinalis

for Mucositis

Calendula is a perennial herb (Calendula officinalis) in the daisy family. Topical use involves use as a tincture or cream. Calendula contains high amounts of flavonoids, plant-based antioxidants that protect the body against cell-damaging free radicals. It seems to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial effects, as well as healing properties. The healing properties are believed to occur because of increased blood flow to the affected area. Calendula is also available to take orally. Calendula can cause allergic reaction in people sensitive to ragweed and similar plants. Calendula cream has been studied for effectiveness as a topical agent in preventing and managing radiodermatitis and oral mucositis.

Research Evidence Summaries

Babaee, N., Moslemi, D., Khalilpour, M., Vejdani, F., Moghadamnia, Y., Bijani, A., … Moghadamnia, A. (2013). Antioxidant capacity of calendula officinalis flowers extract and prevention of radiation induced oropharyngeal mucositis in patients with head and neck cancers: A randomized controlled clinical study. Daru: Journal of Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 21(1), 18.

Study Purpose

To determine the effect of Calendula officinalis flowers extract mouthwash as an oral gel on radiation-induced oropharyngeal mucositis (OM) in patients with head and neck cancer and to determine possible mechanism of action; total antioxidant, polyphenol, and flavonoid content; and quercetin concentration of mouthwash

Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process

Patients were randomly assigned to either the calendula mouthwash group or a placebo group. Both solutions were in a gel formation. Patients were to use 5 ML solution twice per day (every 12 hours) and hold the solution in the oral cavity for at least one minute.

Assays were done to assess antioxidant activity, phenol content of the mouthwash, and flavonoid content. Two physicians performed mucositis grading and grading of oral ulcers.

Sample Characteristics

  • The study reported on 38 patients with an age range of 46–72 years.
  • The sample was 50% male and 50% female.
  • Patients were diagnosed with head and neck cancer and receiving curative radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. Radiotherapy was prescribed at 30–35 sessions for seven weeks with a cumulative dose of 6000–7000 cGy.
  • Patients with comorbidities, poor oral hygiene, or receiving concurrent medications were excluded.

Setting

The study was conducted at a single outpatient site in Babolsar, Iran.

Phase of Care and Clinical Applications

Patients were undergoing the active antitumor treatment phase of care.

Study Design

This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial.

Measurement Instruments/Methods

The Oral Mucositis Assessment Scale (OMAS) was used.

Results

No patients in the treatment group required medication for OM, and radiation was not stopped for mucositis. Three patients in the treatment group did not develop OM during the whole treatment period. Overall OMAS scores were significantly lower in the treatment group at weeks 2, 3, and 6 of the study (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Calendula-containing oral mouthwashes may be effective in decreasing OM intensity in this patient population.

Limitations

The authors make reference to some participants withdrawing, but numbers of participants do not seem to reflect this. The number of patients analyzed and the number of patients reported as leaving the study do not add up correctly. Reasons for study withdrawal are not fully described. Very little data are presented in the article. 

Nursing Implications

Oral use of a calendula-containing agent might be an effective and simple intervention. The agent was prepared specifically for this study; therefore, availability of the agent is not clear. No conclusions can be drawn from this study alone, but, given the promising results and lack of known effective preventive agents, further research in this area would be helpful.

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