Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Betel (Piper betle) has a longstanding history of use in traditional medicine across South and Southeast Asia, including for the management of oral health conditions such as canker sores (aphthous ulcers). Traditionally, betel leaves have been chewed or applied topically to the mucosa to soothe mouth ulcers, reduce pain, and promote healing. This practice is rooted in Ayurvedic, Unani, and folk medicinal systems, which attribute betel’s effects to its purported antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.

Scientific studies exploring betel for canker sores specifically are limited. Some laboratory research indicates that betel leaf extracts possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, which could theoretically be beneficial for oral lesions. A few small-scale clinical and animal studies have suggested that betel leaf extract may speed healing of oral wounds and reduce discomfort, but these studies are not robust or large enough to provide strong scientific validation. Most of the evidence remains anecdotal or based on traditional usage rather than modern clinical trials.

While the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of betel leaves are plausible mechanisms for its traditional use in treating canker sores, there are also health concerns associated with habitual betel chewing (especially with areca nut and tobacco), including risks for oral cancers and other oral diseases. Therefore, while tradition supports its use, scientific evidence remains limited, and caution is advised regarding its habitual use.

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