Wumei Extract Shows Potential in Alleviating Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis

Overview

Radiation-induced oral mucositis (RIOM) is a common and debilitating complication of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. This study investigated the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms of Wumei extract (WME, Prunus mume) in RIOM using a mouse model. A model of radiation-induced tongue dorsal mucositis was established using fractionated low-dose irradiation followed by a terminal high dose. Mice were treated with saline or WME, and outcomes including body weight, ulcer severity, histopathology, proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammatory cytokine expression were evaluated. Additionally, oral microbiota changes were analyzed using 16S rRNA and ITS sequencing, and in vitro experiments assessed the proliferation and migration of irradiated human oral keratinocytes (HOK) with or without WME treatment.

Key Points

• WME treatment significantly attenuated radiation-induced body weight loss and reduced ulcer severity.
• It enhanced epithelial proliferation and reduced apoptosis.
• The expression of inflammatory cytokines, specifically TNF-α and IL-1β, was downregulated.
• WME partially modulated the dysbiotic profiles of pro-inflammatory bacteria and fungi enriched by radiation.
• In vitro, WME promoted the proliferation and migration of irradiated human oral keratinocytes.

Points of Interest by Audience

• Researchers, Administrators, and Pest Control Professionals: Detailed data on the anti-inflammatory and mucosal protective mechanisms of plum components (cytokines, microbiome analysis) serve as valuable foundational material for future functional food or pharmaceutical development.
• Plum Preserves and Processed Product Manufacturers: The accumulation of scientific evidence regarding the health functionality of plum extracts can be referenced for product development and marketing.
• General Consumers: Provides research-stage insights into the potential of plums for maintaining oral mucosal health and alleviating discomfort associated with specific medical treatments.