The Preventive and Therapeutic Effects of Spirulina Preparations on Ulcers of Oral Mucosa

This study is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating spirulina as an adjunctive intervention for radiation-induced oral mucositis in patients receiving radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

Radiation-induced oral mucositis is a common and clinically significant adverse effect of radiotherapy. It may cause oral pain, difficulty eating and swallowing, nutritional deterioration, reduced quality of life, and interruption of anticancer treatment. Current management is mainly supportive, and additional safe and effective interventions are needed.

Eligible participants will be randomized to receive either spirulina tablets or matching placebo in addition to standard oral care during radiotherapy. The study will compare the effects of spirulina and placebo on the severity, incidence, and duration of oral mucositis. Oral pain, nutritional status, quality of life, treatment compliance, radiotherapy interruption, and adverse events will also be evaluated.

The purpose of this trial is to determine whether spirulina supplementation can reduce the burden of radiation-induced oral mucositis and improve supportive care for patients undergoing radiotherapy. The safety of spirulina will be monitored throughout the study.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 18 years or older.
• Patients with radiation-induced oral mucositis (RIOM), recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), or other clinically diagnosed oral ulcers, confirmed by clinical examination.
• Presence of at least one clinically active oral ulcer at the time of enrollment.
• Able to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.
• Willing and able to comply with all study procedures, follow-up visits, and assessments.

Exclusion criteria

• Previous radiotherapy to the head and neck region.

• Known allergy or hypersensitivity to spirulina or its components.
• Severe hepatic, renal, cardiovascular, or other uncontrolled systemic diseases.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Participation in another interventional clinical trial during the study period.
• Any condition that, in the investigator's opinion, would interfere with study participation or outcome assessment.