Short-term effectiveness of toothpaste containing honeysuckle extract for treating recurrent aphthous ulcers in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of toothpaste containing honeysuckle extract as an alternative treatment for recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAUs).

METHODS

A randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial was conducted. Eighty‑two participants were randomly allocated to either the experimental group (n = 41) or the control group (n = 41), with the experimental group using toothpaste containing honeysuckle extract (Lonicera macranthoides) and the control group using toothpaste without honeysuckle extract. The participants used the designated toothpaste and were followed up on days 0, 7, and 14 to assess ulcer healing rates and ulcer status indicators.

RESULTS

On day 7, the ulcer healing rate was 58.5% in the experimental group and 31.7% in the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, statistically significant differences were observed between the experimental and control groups in ulcer size, number of ulcers, hyperemia, pain, and average ulcer duration (P < 0.05), indicating a greater improvement in the ulcer status indicators in the experimental group. On day 14, the ulcer healing rate and ulcer status indicators of the two groups did not differ statistically (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Toothpaste containing honeysuckle extract may relieve multiple clinical symptoms of RAUs and promote ulcer healing in the short term.