Efficacy of essential oil of cinnamon for the treatment of oral candidiasis: A randomized trial

Spec Care Dentist. 2021 May;41(3):349-357. doi: 10.1111/scd.12570. Epub 2021 Jan 21.

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).

Keywords: Cinnamomum zeylanicum; biological products; denture stomatitis; oral candidiasis.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Candidiasis, Oral* / drug therapy
  • Cinnamomum zeylanicum
  • Humans
  • Nystatin / therapeutic use
  • Oils, Volatile* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Oils, Volatile
  • Nystatin