The Efficacy Of Jatropha Multifida In The Management Of Oral Candidiasis: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Background: Oral candidiasis is presently a common problem affecting children in third world countries. This is probably due to the increasing prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus infections, poverty and malnutrition, which predisposes to candida infections. There are anecdotal reports suggesting the efficacy of the Nigerian grown species of Jatropha multifida herbs in the management of oral candidiasis. Aims of the study: To determine the efficacy of Jatropha multifida in the management of oral candidiasis and compare its efficacy with that of oral Nystatin. Subjects and Method: All the clinically detected cases of children with oral candidiasis at the children's outpatient department of the State Hospital, Osogbo and children's welfare clinic of the Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa were randomized into either Jatropha multifadum Juice extract therapy or the Nystatin group. The juice extracts from the Jatropha multifada leaves were applied to the tongue and the oral mucosal areas affected by candida lesions as a single application in the patients randomized to this group. Oral Nystatin was administered 4 times a day, for 7 consecutive days to the children randomized to the Nystatin group. Results: A total of 5 patients (3 boys and 2 girls) were studied with their ages ranging from 2 to 10 months. Clearance of the white lesions on the tongue was defined as cure and this was recorded within 24 hours in the patients on Jatropha multifada juice extracts, while those on oral Nystatin showed features of cure at 48 hours. Conclusion: Jatropha multifada is efficacious in the management of oral candidiasis. Compared to oral Nystatin suspension, it has the advantages of acting faster and being efficacious as a single dose. Its use in the management of oral candidiasis is recommended in third world countries where it is easily cultivated and accessible.