The Shilajit Mouthwash Effect Versus Conventional Treatment on Pain and Healing of Oral Lichen Planus: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Oral lichen planus is an inflammatory chronic disease affecting oral mucosa mainly managed by corticosteroids. However, corticosteroids’ adverse effects necessitate the exploration of alternative remedies. This study aims to assess the potential of Shilajit, natural material with healing properties, in treating oral lichen planus. Methods: This randomized clinical trial (pilot study) involved fifty-six confirmed ulcerative, erosive, or atrophic non-dysplastic oral lichen planus lesions. Thirty lesions received Shilajit, Nystatin, and Triamcinolone acetonide0.1% mouthwash and twenty-five, Triamcinolone acetonide0.1% and Nystatin. Lesion size, Visual Analogue Scale, and Thongprasom were monitored over sixty days. Data was analyzed by SPSS 23.0. Independent samples t-test, Chi-squared test, repeated measures ANOVA, paired T-tests, and T-tests were performed. Results: Lesion size reduction, pain alleviation, and healing rates (Thongprasom) were improved in both groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups in Visual Analogue Scale reduction. Thongprasom reduced significantly, more prominently, and was persistent in the case compared to the control group. Minimal side effects were reported in the Shilajit group. Conclusions: This study shows the promising role of Shilajit in managing oral lichen planus and calls for further research to validate its efficacy and safety profile as a corticosteroid substitute. Trial registration: The trial was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20120101008585N9).