Comparison of the Therapeutic Effects of 2% Areca catechu Gel and 0.1% Triamcinolone Acetonide in Patients with Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Areca catechu L. (A. catechu) or areca nut contains the main phytochemical compounds arecoline and catechin. It also possesses high antioxidant properties and can be used as a medication. Thus, this study was conducted to compare the therapeutic effects of 2% A. catechu gel and 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide on recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). Overall, 46 randomly selected patients were divided into A. catechu gel and triamcinolone acetonide treatment groups. The topical preparations were applied to oral lesions three times daily in each group. Ulcer diameter, discoloration, pain intensity, and quality of life were assessed for 7 days, with ulcer size and pain intensity analyzed on day 7. Consequently, the A. catechu gel and triamcinolone acetonide demonstrated therapeutic effects after 7 days of treatment. The topical treatments examined did not show a significant difference in alleviating pain and reducing erythema associated with the ulcer. Furthermore, no correlation was found between ulcer diameter and pain intensity in A. catechu and triamcinolone acetonide. Areca catechu gel promoted RAS healing owing to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.