Evaluation of the effectiveness of a chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and linseed (Linum usitatissimum) saliva substitute in the relief of xerostomia in elders

• Published in: Gerodontology Vol. 34; no. 1; pp. 42 - 48
• Main Authors: Morales‐Bozo, Irene, Ortega‐Pinto, Ana, Rojas Alcayaga, Gonzalo, Aitken Saavedra, Juan P., Salinas Flores, Olga, Lefimil Puente, Claudia, Lozano Moraga, Carla, Manríquez Urbina, José M., Urzúa Orellana, Blanca
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01-03-2017
• Subjects: Aged; Chamomile; Dentistry; Double-Blind Method; elderly; Female; Flax; Herbal Medicine - methods; Humans; linseed; Male; Phytotherapy - mortality; Plant Extracts - therapeutic use; Saliva, Artificial - therapeutic use; Salivation - drug effects; xerostomia; Xerostomia - drug therapy; linseed; xerostomia; elderly; chamomile
• ISSN: 0734-0664; 1741-2358
• DOI: 10.1111/ger.12220

Objective
The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and linseed (Linum usitatissimum) saliva substitute in the relief of xerostomia in older participants.
Background
In elders, xerostomia is a permanent and progressive condition that significantly affects their quality of life. The treatment for progressive xerostomia is currently restricted to palliative measures, and saliva substitutes are indicated. A lack of evidence on the effectiveness of the saliva substitutes in the relief of symptoms of xerostomia has been reported.
Materials and methods
Seventy‐four elderly participants presenting xerostomia of diverse origin were selected. Herbal saliva substitute and carboxymethyl cellulose conventional saliva substitute were tested using a double‐blind, randomised, cross‐sectional clinical trial.
Results
Every participant of the study exhibited dry mouth sensation. A sensation of thick saliva was described in 59.5% of the participants. The need for liquid intake to swallow food, the sensation of difficulty in swallowing and the burning sensation in the tongue were observed in 54.1, 56.8 and 27.0% of the participants, respectively. The most prevalent diseases were hypertension, depressive symptoms and arthritis. Results of the clinical tests showed that the herbal saliva substitute produced a greater relief of dry mouth symptoms, thick saliva sensation and the sensation of difficulty in swallowing than the conventional substitute (Wilcoxon test p < 0.05).
Conclusions
New chamomile‐ and linseed‐based saliva substitute was effective in relieving xerostomia symptoms in older participants of this study.