Effect of topical chamomile on immunohistochemical levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in 5-fluorouracil-induced oral mucositis in hamsters.

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of topical chamomile and corticosteroid treatment on the profile of tissue cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) in 5-fluorouracil-induced oral mucositis in hamsters.

Methods: Thirty-six hamsters were randomly separated into three groups (12 animals each): Group I--without treatment (control); Group II-treatment with chamomile (Ad-Muc(®)); and Group III--treatment with corticosteroid (betamethasone elixir- Celestone(®)). The animals received an intraperitoneal injection of 5--fluorouracil on Days 0 and 2.