CANCER TREATMENT- ASSOCIATED ULCERATIVE ORAL MUCOSITIS: CONTEMPORARY UNDERSTANDING AND AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES - A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Ulcerative Oral Mucositis (UOM) is a common and debilitating complication of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. It is characterized by erythema, ulceration, severe pain, and impaired oral functions, leading to reduced quality of life and interruption of cancer treatment.. In Ayurveda, UOM can be correlated with Sarvasara Mukhapaka, a Pitta-pradhana Tridoshaja condition affecting the oral mucosa. Kabala (therapeutic gargling) with Dugdhika Kera Tailam has been used in clinical practice for its Pitta-shamana, Vrana-ropana, and Daha-shamana properties. The medicated oil provides prolonged contact with the oral mucosa, promoting local healing, reducing inflammation, pain, and burning sensation, and restoring mucosal integrity. This may potentially support mucosal healing and provide relief from symptoms such as pain and burning sensation. Therefore, Kabala with Dugdhikā Kera Taila may have potential as a complementary and cost-effective intervention in the supportive management of UOM, warranting further clinical evaluation, while supporting continuity of cancer therapy and improving patients' quality of life.