Muco-bioadhesive gel containing basil extract (Ocimum basilicum) in the management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a randomized clinical and immunological study

Background Recurrent aphthous ulcer (RAU) is a widespread highly prevalent disorder that impairs the life quality of the affected persons and leads to difficulties in daily activities such as talking, eating, and oral hygiene maintenance. Aim To evaluate the efficiency of basil extract (Ocimum basilicum) loaded in poly (vinylacohol)–borate hydrogel for topical application in the treatment of RAU. Patients and methods Twenty patients with a clear history of frequent eruption of RAU, their ages ranges between 18 and 45 years, and presented with mucosal ulcer (2 days or less duration and ≥4 mm in diameter). The patients were randomly allocated into two groups, group I (test group): 10 patients treated with mucoadhesive gel containing 2% of basil extract. Group II (placebo group): 10 patients treated with placebo gel. The healing period, pain scale, and the size of the ulcer were evaluated. Salivary endocan was collected at baseline and 5 days after materials application. Results There was no significant difference between the test and control group, while there were statistically significant differences between them and the healthy group at baseline clinically and immunologically. At 5 days there was a significant reduction in the degree of pain sensation, healing period, ulcer size, and decrease in the level of salivary endocan for both groups with statistically significant differences between them observed in the test group more than the control group in all tested parameters. Conclusion Using the muco-bioadhesive gel containing basil extract (O. basilicum) shows promise as a therapy for the management of patients with RAU.