Anti-nociceptive efficacy of essential oil-based extracts for the management of orofacial pain: a systematic review of available evidence

F. Javed, F.O. Bello-Correa, A. Nikolaidou, P.E. Rossouw, D. Michelogiannakis

Division of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA. fawad_javed@urmc.rochester.edu

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• Dentistry
• Maxillofacial Surgery

OBJECTIVE: Experimental studies have shown that essential oil (EO)-based extracts derived from medicinal plants exhibit antinociceptive activity. The aim of the present systematic review was to assess the anti-nociceptive efficacy of EO-based extracts for the management of orofacial pain (OFP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: To address the focused question “Are EO-based formulations effective for the management of OFP disorders?”, indexed databases were searched without time and language restrictions using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines. Risk of bias (ROB) was assessed.

RESULTS: Eight studies were included and processed for data extraction. Two studies were clinical (one in adults and one in children) and 6 were performed in rodents. Results from one clinical study showed that inhalation of EO-extracts does not affect subjective toothache scores; and results from the study on children reported that inhalation of lavender oil reduces anxiety and pain during and after tooth extraction. Results from all experimental studies showed that administration of EO-extracts reduces orofacial nociceptive behavior. The ROB was high in 50% and 83.3% of the clinical and experimental studies, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: The anti-nociceptive efficacy of EO-extracts for the management of OFP remains debatable. Further well-designed and power-adjusted randomized clinical trials are needed in this regard.

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