Miconazole gel compared with Zataria multiflora Boiss. gel in the treatment of denture stomatitis

An open, randomized, controlled study with two parallel treatment groups was done to evaluate the efficacy of a miconazole 2% gel compared with Zataria multiflora 0.1% gel applied four times daily for 2 weeks, in the treatment of Candida-associated denture stomatitis. Twenty four patients were included in the study. The efficacy variables were the colony count of Candida from the palatal mucosa and the denture surface and the erythema surface of the palatal mucosa on days 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 after commencement of therapy. Twelve patients received miconazole gel and twelve Z. multiflora gel. The erythema surface was significantly reduced by both gels. No significant difference was seen between the two groups (p < 0.05). There was a significant reduction in the colony count of the palatal mucosa in both groups (except on days 21 and 28 in the Zataria group p = 0.07 and 0.08). Miconazole treatment reduced the number of denture colonies more efficiently than Z. multiflora except for day 21 when the efficacy of both groups was similar (p = 0.17). The results indicate that Z. multiflora gel reduced the surface erythema of the palate more efficiently than miconazole gel but did not reduce the colony count of the denture surface as efficiently as miconazole. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.