Efficacy of matricaria recutita (chamomile) in the prevention and/or treatment of oral mucositis: umbrella review

Oral mucositis is a common complication resulting from antineoplastic treatment. It is well-know that the use of natural products is a therapeutic alternative that should be investigated due to its anti-inflammatory action with less possibility of side and adverse effects and affordable costs. The aim of this umbrella review was to perform an overview of available systematic reviews on the efficacy of Matricaria Recutita (Chamomile) in the prevention and/or treatment of oral mucositis. The guiding PICOT question was: Is the pharmacological herbal management with chamomile (Matricaria recutita) effective in the prevention and/or treatment of oral mucositis in patients undergoing oncological radiotherapy treatment of the head and neck region and/or chemotherapy? The articles were selected by two independent reviewers. This study screened 3416 papers, of which 12 papers were deemed to be eligible and were read in full. Any disagreements were resolved by a third author. Glenny's and AMSTAR 2 scales were used to assess the quality of the systematic reviews included in this review. Matricaria recutita in the prophylactic and therapeutic management of oral mucositis was used and showed promising results, apparently presenting beneficial effects to patients, mainly in reducing the symptomatology and severity of this condition, however, the evidence presented limitations. Oral mucositis is a common complication resulting from antineoplastic treatment. It is well-know that the use of natural products is a therapeutic alternative that should be investigated due to its anti-inflammatory action with less possibility of side and adverse effects and affordable costs. The aim of this umbrella review was to perform an overview of available systematic reviews on the efficacy of Matricaria Recutita (Chamomile) in the prevention and/or treatment of oral mucositis. The guiding PICOT question was: Is the pharmacological herbal management with chamomile (Matricaria recutita) effective in the prevention and/or treatment of oral mucositis in patients undergoing oncological radiotherapy treatment of the head and neck region and/or chemotherapy? The articles were selected by two independent reviewers. This study screened 3416 papers, of which 12 papers were deemed to be eligible and were read in full. Any disagreements were resolved by a third author. Glenny's and AMSTAR 2 scales were used to assess the quality of the systematic reviews included in this review. Matricaria recutita in the prophylactic and therapeutic management of oral mucositis was used and showed promising results, apparently presenting beneficial effects to patients, mainly in reducing the symptomatology and severity of this condition, however, the evidence presented limitations.