The scientists at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology and Regional Cancer Centre Thiruvananthapuram have developed an ayurvedic mouthwash consisting of three commonly used medicinal herbs for controlling radiation associated mucositis in patients with oral cancer. However it is not a one time remedy but repeated doses have to be taken during the course of the treatment.

A clinical study funded by the Department of AYUSH has been done to find the effectiveness of the ayurvedic mouthwash in reducing the severity of oral mucositis in patients undergoing radical ratio therapy for oral cancers. A total of 148 patients with oral cancer undergoing radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy were randomised; 75 in the study arm and 73 in the control arm.

Oral mucositis was observed to be significantly less in the study arm at day 15. Pain due to mucositis and the analgesic requirement was also observed to be significantly less in the study arm as compared to controls. The approximate production cost in an experimental set up has been estimated to be 65 paise per dose excluding packaging and marketing costs. The commonly used drug to control mucositis called Amifostine (Ethyol) costs approximately Rs 9000 per dose (single injection half an hour before radiation).

The investigators have filed a patent application and are waiting for the approval. This was disclosed by Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Kapil Sibal in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Monday.