Double-blind crossover study of alfa-lipoic acid activity on symptomatology, gustatory function and non stimulated salivary flow in burning mouth syndrome patients

• Grant number: 05/04564-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: March 01, 2006
• End date: October 31, 2007
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Fernando Ricardo Xavier da Silveira
• Grantee: Fernando Ricardo Xavier da Silveira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FO). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is characterized by a burning sensation in an oral mucosa that appears clinically normal. BMS is particularly seen is postmenopausal women. Its prevalence in general population is unknown and about 0,4% of American population is affected by BMS (MUZIKA; DE ROSSI, 1999). BMS etiology is multifactorial and poor understood, with tendency to be considered as neurological path. The most of cases shows association of burning mouth with others secondary symptoms like dry mouth sensation and gustatory changes. The therapy of BMS is few effective and includes antidepressive drugs, vitamins, capsaicin, among others. The alfa lipoic acid, a potent antioxidant, particularly studied in diabetic neurophaty have been utilizated in BMS patients and in patients with gustatory alterations, with satisfactory results. (AU)