Natural treatments for leukoplakia
Leukoplakia is a condition characterized by the appearance of white, grey, or red patches on the mucous membranes, particularly in the mouth and on the tongue, which can be sensitive to touch and certain foods. While the precise cause of leukoplakia remains unclear, it often arises from chronic irritation, such as rough dental surfaces. There is a potential association between leukoplakia and an increased risk of cancer in affected areas, making its management important. Natural treatment options have been explored, with lycopene, a carotenoid found in tomatoes and other fruits, showing promise as a potential remedy. Research suggests that lycopene may reduce symptoms of leukoplakia, with higher doses appearing more effective. Other substances such as vitamin E, beta-carotene, vitamin C, and curcumin have also been studied for their potential benefits in managing this condition. Additionally, lifestyle modifications, including avoiding tobacco and alcohol, are recommended to reduce irritation and support overall oral health. Overall, while natural treatments may offer some benefits, consultation with a healthcare professional is essential for personalized advice and management.
Natural treatments for leukoplakia
- DEFINITION: Treatment of a disorder of the mucous membranes that manifests in areas such as the mouth, tongue, and female genitals.
- PRINCIPAL PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENT: Lycopene
Introduction
Leukoplakia is a disorder of the mucous membranes. Symptoms consist of white, grey, or red patches that form on the tongue, inside the mouth, or, more rarely, the female vulva. These patches are thick and slightly raised and often present a hardened surface. Areas of leukoplakia may be sensitive to touch, heat, or spicy foods.
The cause of leukoplakia is not clear, but it often develops in response to chronic irritation, such as rough surfaces on dentures, fillings, or crowns. One special type, known as hairy leukoplakia, involves a viral infection. It is found only in people who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Leukoplakia, which is classified as an oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD) and characterized by abnormal cell growth, is also associated with an increased risk of cancer in the affected area. Removing an identifiable irritant may resolve the problem. In some cases, surgical treatment is advised.
Principal Proposed Natural Treatments
Vitamin A is known to play a role in the health of skin and mucous membranes. For this reason, vitamin A, used orally or topically, has been tried for leukoplakia. No clear benefits have been seen in scientific studies. However, the related substance lycopene might be helpful.
Lycopene is a carotenoid, a close chemical cousin of vitamin A. Found in high levels in tomato products, watermelon, and pink grapefruit, lycopene has shown promise in the treatment and prevention of prostate cancer and of macular degeneration (a disease of the eye). One study suggests that lycopene also might be useful for treating leukoplakia. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, fifty-eight persons with oral leukoplakia received either eight milligrams (mg) or four mg oral lycopene daily or placebo capsules for three months. Participants were then followed by researchers for an additional two months. The results indicated that lycopene in either dose was more effective than placebo for reducing signs and symptoms of leukoplakia, and that eight mg daily was more effective than 4 mg. Although one study cannot prove a treatment effective, these findings are promising.
Other research indicates that vitamin E, Beta-carotene, and vitamin C may help put leukoplakia into remission, along with consumption of green tea. Avoiding tobacco and alcohol is also recommended.
Curcumin, a derivative of tumeric, and curcumin-based therapy (nanocurcumin) has also been shown to reduce lesion size. In a study of thirty patients, lesion reduction was noted in almost 93 percent of patients, and three patients saw complete lesion resolution.
It is also advised that patients avoid certain substances and behaviors, such as tobacco and smoking, respectively, as well as alcohol, as these substances can irritate leukoplakia and are also thought to be linked to the cause of leukoplakia.
Bibliography
Ahmad, Tanveer, et al. “An Overview of Effect of Lycopene and Curcumin in Oral Leukoplakia and Oral Submucous Fibrosis.” National Journal of Maxillofacial Surgery, vol. 12, no. 3, 2021, pp. 316-323. doi:10.4103/njms.njms‗324‗21. Accessed 17 Oct. 2024.
Deb, Sunanda, et al. “Role of Nano Curcumin on Superoxide Dismutase Levels in Leukoplakia.” Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology: JOMFP, vol. 26, no. 1, 2022, pp. 21-25. doi:10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP‗267‗21. Accessed 17 Oct. 2024.
“Leukoplakia (Holistic).” Peace Health, www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/hn-1230003. Accessed 15 Aug. 2023.
Lodi, Giovanni et al. “Interventions for treating oral leukoplakia to prevent oral cancer.” The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, vol. 7, no. 7, 2016, p. CD001829. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001829.pub4. Accessed 17 Oct. 2024.
Patel, Uday, et al. “Effect of Tobacco in Human Oral Leukoplakia: A Cytomorphometric Analysis.” Medicine and Pharmacy Reports, vol. 93, no. 3, 2020, pp. 273-279. doi:10.15386/mpr-1439. Accessed 17 Oct. 2024.
Singh, M., et al. “Efficacy of Oral Lycopene in the Treatment of Oral Leukoplakia.” Oral Oncology, vol. 40, 2004, pp. 591-596.
Zakrzewska, J. M. “Oral Lycopene: An Efficacious Treatment for Oral Leukoplakia?” Evidence Based Dentistry, vol. 6, 2005, pp. 17-18.