Method: A randomized, blind, controlled, parallel double center clinical trial was carried out. Honey was applied by patients 4 times a day for 5 days. Clinical parameters (ulcer size, pain scale, and degree of erythema and healing) were recorded both at baseline and during the follow up period.
Result: There were 94 subjects, with 180 minor recurrent aphthous ulceration. The ulcers were distributed as 67, 57 and 56 ulcers for honey, topical corticosteroid, and orabase (+ve control) treatment, respectively. There was statistically significant difference between honey group and the other two groups in terms of reduction of ulcer size, pain days, and degree of erythema. No side effects were reported in all groups.
Conclusion: Honey was found to be effective and safe in reducing minor aphthous ulcer pain, size as well as erythema in Saudi cohort.