Efficacy of essential oil of cinnamon for the treatment of oral candidiasis: A randomized trial
Maria Rejane Cruz de Araújo, Panmella Pereira Maciel, Lúcio Roberto Cançado Castellano, Paulo Rogério Ferreti Bonan, Danielle da Nóbrega Alves, Ana Cláudia Dantas de Medeiros, Ricardo Dias de Castro
Abstract
AIM: It was analyzed the efficacy of mouthwash and spray containing essential oil (EO) of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume for the treatment of oral candidiasis. METHODS AND RESULTS: A randomized, controlled, and blinded clinical trial was conducted with 36 individuals (probabilistic sample) with oral candidiasis who were divided into two treatment groups: C. zeylanicum (0.5 mg/mL), n = 18; nystatin (100,000IU/mL), n = 18. The efficacy of the products was evaluated by two parameters: (a) clinical evolution recorded by calibrated examiners (Kappa = 0.822) according to Newton's classification and (b) reduction of colony-forming units/mL. Mycological and clinical parameters were analyzed before and at 15 days after treatment. Clinical examination of the mucosa showed that C. zeylanicum (p < 0.0339) and nystatin (p < .0139) had efficacy, resulting in a reduction of signs and symptoms (Mann-Whitney test). Mycological analysis showed that C. zeylanicum caused a reduction of 61% and 33% of Candida spp., isolates oral mucosa and dentures, respectively. Candida tropicalis strains were eliminated after C. zeylanicum, in both sites. The participants reported a pleasant taste and few product-related complaints. CONCLUSION: C. zeylanicum EO and nystatin exhibited clinical efficacy, according to the Newton classification, and reducing in Candida spp. The clinical trial has been registered (Registration number: NBR-33s6 × 5, ensaiosclinicos.gov.br).