Effect of Topical 2% Eucalyptus Extract on 5-FU-Induced Oral Mucositis in Male Golden Hamsters

Abstract Oral mucositis is a common inflammatory complication among patients with cancer. This study evaluated the histopathological, stereological, and antioxidant markers of 2% eucalyptus extract in induced oral mucositis in male golden hamsters. In this animal study, oral mucositis was induced in 30 male golden hamsters by 5-FU (60 mg/kg) on days 0, 5, and 10 of the study. The cheek pouch was scratched with a sterile needle once daily on days 3 and 4. On days 14-17, 2% eucalyptus hydroalcoholic extract gel and Calendula officinalis extract gel groups were treated and then compared with a non-treated control group. The histopathological and stereological scores and the pouch content of malondialdehyde, as well as the activities of glutathione and myeloperoxidase in the pouch tissue, were evaluated. Histopathologic scores of oral mucositis were lower in the eucalyptus gel group than those of the calendula and control groups (p