Evaluation of the Efficacy of Zinc-L-Carnosine in the Treatment of Oral Lichen Planus: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Study

Background: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a T-cell-mediated chronic inflammatory condition affecting the oral mucosa; it can present with symptoms such as a burning sensation and pain, which may significantly impair patients' quality of life. Zinc-L-carnosine (ZnC) is a chelated compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential to promote mucosal repair. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Hepilor, a zinc-L-carnosine-based mouthwash, in alleviating pain in patients with OLP. Materials and Methods: The study involved 19 patients with a clinical and histological diagnosis of symptomatic OLP. A randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial was conducted. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups that sequentially received either Hepilor mouthwash or placebo mouthwash for four weeks, separated by a four-week washout period. Patients' discomfort was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and the Oral Lichen Planus Symptom Severity Measure (LPOSSM) questionnaire at the beginning and end of each treatment period. Results: VAS scores decreased in the Hepilor-treated group, but not significantly. LPOSSM scores also did not show significant differences between the treatment groups. Conclusions: Although the results did not reach statistical significance, the study showed a trend toward symptom reduction in patients treated with zinc-L-carnosine. Further studies with larger sample sizes and standardized evaluation methods are needed to establish a stronger relationship between the use of zinc-L-carnosine and its efficacy in treating OLP.