Efficacy of ‘Nimbamrutham’ Herbal Mouthwash in Prevention and Management of Concurrent Chemo-Radiotherapy Induced Oral Mucositis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Head and neck cancer patients who receive concurrent chemo radiotherapy often develop oral mucositis. This is a painful inflammation and ulceration of the mouth that affects eating, swallowing, sleep, nutrition, and overall quality of life. Severe mucositis may lead to treatment breaks, infections, increased hospital stay and higher treatment costs. At present, commonly used management methods such as soda saline mouthwash and symptomatic medicines provide only limited relief.

Ayurveda describes a similar condition called mukhapaka and recommends local treatments such as herbal gargling. Nimbamrutham is a traditional Ayurvedic preparation made from neem and guduchi. These herbs are known for their antimicrobial, anti inflammatory and healing properties. This study aims to evaluate the effect of Nimbamrutham mouthwash in patients undergoing chemo radiotherapy.

In this randomized study, patients will be divided into two groups. One group will use the routine soda saline mouthwash and the other group will use Nimbamrutham mouthwash. Both groups will perform gargling four to six times daily from the first day of radiation. The severity of oral mucositis will be assessed every week using the RTOG grading system. The study aims to find out whether Nimbamrutham can reduce the severity of mucositis and improve patient comfort during treatment.