Unani Intervention to Treat Chronic Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: A Case Report.

Abstract

Background: The need to investigate safe and innovative clinical therapies is highlighted by the fact that chronic recurrent aphthous ulcers, also known as recurrent aphthous stomatitis, are a very prevalent but poorly understood mucosal condition that significantly affects patients' quality of life with frequent recurrences. Although aphthous ulcers have received a lot of clinical and research attention, treatment is usually symptomatic. Despite a plethora of therapeutic options for oral ulcers in Unani medicine, there is little empirical evidence to support them. In this case report, we describe a case of recurrent aphthous stomatitis that was treated with Habb-e-Zaranbad, a Unani formulation.

Case presentation: A 23-year-old male patient presented to our service with painful ulcerative lesions on the upper labial mucosa for the past 5 days. The patient was examined clinically before intervention and was diagnosed with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Data was collected through detailed patient history, clinical examination, and relevant laboratory investigations, including assessments for nutritional deficiencies. The patient received twice-daily doses of Habb-e-Zaranbad (morning and evening) for 14 days. In addition to assessing the ulcer healing state, a 100 mm Visual Analog Scale for pain and burning sensation was used to gauge therapeutic response. Following a two-week follow-up, the discomfort and burning sensation had diminished dramatically, and the ulcers had healed entirely. Also, a three-month follow-up revealed no recurrence, and no adverse effects were reported during the treatment.

Conclusion: Our case investigation highlighted the efficacy of the Unani formulation Habb-e-Zaranbad as a safe and non-invasive therapeutic option, positioning it as a potential avenue for managing recurrent aphthous stomatitis. However, further research, particularly large-sample randomized controlled trials, is imperative to establish its efficacy and effectiveness in preventing and treating this condition.

Keywords: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis, Unani medicine, Habb-e-Zaranbad, Case report.