Written By: GreenMedInfo Research Group

A randomized controlled trial published in BMC Oral Health demonstrates that topical coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) significantly improves painful symptoms and clinical signs of oral lichen planus (OLP), an inflammatory condition affecting mouth tissues.

Importantly, mucoadhesive CoQ10 tablets used 3 times daily for 4 weeks reduced OLP symptoms comparably to topical triamcinolone, a corticosteroid medication. Both treatments notably decreased patient-reported pain and objective lesion severity.

OLP causes uncomfortable white patches or red erosions in the mouth. Steroids are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation, but long-term use risks side effects. Seeking safer alternatives, researchers evaluated if antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of CoQ10 could mitigate OLP.

34 patients with symptomatic OLP were randomly assigned to receive either topical CoQ10 tablets or topical triamcinolone in an adhesive paste, several times daily for one month. Pain levels using a standardized 10-point scale and clinical lesion sizes were assessed weekly. Salivary antioxidant levels were also analyzed.

Over four weeks, both groups experienced statistically and clinically significant improvements in pain symptoms and lesion appearance. Pain decreased from severe levels to almost none, while lesions shrank markedly. 

Importantly, comparisons between groups showed no significant differences in therapeutic efficacy at any timepoint. Both treatments worked equally well according to patients and clinicians.  

Levels of inflammatory salivary markers also decreased in both groups, further validating clinical improvements. Enhanced antioxidant capacity of CoQ10 likely contributed additional anti-inflammatory benefits.

Patients reported high satisfaction with symptom relief from CoQ10, affirming effectiveness equaling a standard medication. This demonstrates natural options like CoQ10 can succeed in controlling challenging inflammatory conditions without concerning steroid side effects.

CoQ10 is a safe nutritional compound supporting cellular energy and neutralizing oxidative damage. Taken orally or topically, patients can utilize CoQ10's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to address various health conditions without interacting with medications.

For OLP sufferers desperate for pain relief, this exciting research pioneers accessible, evidence-based alternatives to steroids. Under physician supervision, topical CoQ10 presents a promising substitution for steroids in oral inflammatory conditions, benefiting patient safety and autonomy.

© January 2nd 2024 GreenMedInfo LLC. This work is reproduced and distributed with the permission of GreenMedInfo LLC. Want to learn more from GreenMedInfo? Sign up for the newsletter here www.greenmedinfo.com/greenmed/newsletter.