Effect of oral mucosal adhesive films containing ginsenoside Rb1 on 5-fluorouracil-induced oral mucositis in hamsters

Oral ulcerative mucositis induced by chemotherapy or radiotherapy has an impact on quality of life, is dose-limiting for chemotherapy, and causes considerable morbidity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ginsenoside Rb1 on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced experimental oral mucositis in hamsters. Oral mucositis was induced in hamsters through a combination of 5-FU treatment and mild abrasion of the cheek pouch. Ginsenoside Rb1 isolated from ginseng was contained in chitosan–sodium alginate film (G-Rb1 film). The films were attached to the oral mucosa, and then the healing process was examined by measuring the area of mucositis, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and microscopic aspects. Films without ginsenoside Rb1 had no effect on 5-FU-induced oral mucositis in comparison to the control group. However, G-Rb1 films (10− 12 to 10− 4 g/g film) dose-dependently improved recovery from 5-FU-induced damage, and there were significant differences between doses of 10− 6 and 10− 4 g/g film. These results suggest that topical application of films that contain ginsenoside Rb1 has a healing effect on severe oral mucositis induced by chemotherapy.