Effect of adjunctive systemic vitamin E on clinical parameters and salivary total antioxidant capacity in symptomatic oral lichen planus patients: Randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Background: Most of the available therapeutics of oral lichen planus are associated with adverse effects and there is no sufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of these modalities over placebo or over each other. Micronutrients including antioxidants modify the immune system function and are considered promising alternatives in management of OLP with negligible side effects. The current trial assessed the effect of adjunctive use of systemic vitamin E in symptomatic oral lichen planus patients. Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial includes 30 symptomatic (erosive and atrophic) oral lichen planus patients in two parallel groups (intervention – topical triamcinolone acetonide adhesive paste and Vitamin E, control - topical triamcinolone acetonide adhesive paste and placebo), with allocation ratio 1:1. Outcome measures were pain intensity, clinical improvement and salivary level of total antioxidant capacity. Results: Mean amount of pain reduction and clinical improvement were greater in the experimental group with statistically significant difference. Mean amount of total antioxidant capacity upregulation was greater in the control group with no statistical difference. Conclusion: Adjunctive use of systemic vitamin E has shown promising results in management of OLP with no side effects.