Abstract
Buccal mucosa carcinoma is a common and aggressive subtype of oral squamous cell carcinoma, predominantly associated with chronic tobacco chewing. Continuous exposure to tobacco leads to persistent mucosal inflammation, oxidative stress, epithelial dysplasia, and malignant transformation. Conventional management approaches, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, remain the mainstay of treatment; however, these modalities are frequently accompanied by significant local adverse effects such as oral mucositis, pain, delayed wound healing, secondary infections, and impaired oral function, adversely affecting patient’s quality of life. This necessitates the exploration of safe and effective supportive care strategies.
Yashtimadhu
(
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Linn.) is a well-documented medicinal plant in Ayurveda, traditionally indicated for
Mukharoga
and
Vrana
due to its
Shothahara
,
Vedanasthapana
,
Vranaropana
, and
Rasayana
properties.
Pratisaraṇa Karma
, a localized therapeutic procedure involving gentle application of medicated substances over the affected mucosa, is specifically advocated for oral lesions and inflammatory conditions. Modern pharmacological studies have identified bioactive constituents of
Yashtimadhu
, such as glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetinic acid, liquiritigenin, and licochalcones, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and epithelial regenerative activities. These effects are mediated through inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, suppression of nuclear factor-kappa B signaling, reduction of oxidative stress, and enhancement of mucosal healing. In tobacco-induced buccal mucosa carcinoma,
Yashtimadhu Pratisaraṇa Karma
may play a valuable supportive role by reducing treatment-related oral toxicities, promoting wound healing, reducing pain and inflammation, and improving oral comfort. This review integrates classical Ayurvedic principles with contemporary biomedical evidence to highlight its therapeutic relevance, emphasizing the need for further preclinical and clinical studies to validate efficacy and standardize treatment protocols.