Effectiveness of Black Mulberry Molasses in Prevention of Radiotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis: A Randomized Controlled Study in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Objectives: Radiation-induced oral mucositis is one of the problems experienced by 70%-80% of patients receiving radiation therapy (RT). This randomized controlled trial assessed the effectiveness of black mulberry molasses in the prevention of oral mucositis in head and neck cancer patients receiving RT. Interventions and Outcome measures: Eighty head and neck cancer patients scheduled to undergo RT to the oropharyngeal mucosa were randomly assigned to receive RT (42) or RT plus mulberry molasses (38). The research data were collected with a Patient Description Form, Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.0, an Oral Assessment Guide, and the University of Washington Quality of Life Assessment Questionnaire. Results: The incidence and severity of oral mucositis were lower in the black mulberry molasses group. However, black mulberry molasses usage was an only independent and significant factor in prevention of mucositis [HR 0.63 (%95 GI 0.40-0.98)]. There were no differences between the quality of life scores of experimental and control groups. Conclusions: This randomized controlled study showed that black mulberry molasses usage is an effective intervention in the prevention of the radiation-induced mucositis of head and neck cancer patients. However, to confirm these results, further studies are needed.