Nutrition Facts with Dr. Greger What Is Lichen Planus and How to Treat It
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Dec 11, 2025 Dive into the complexities of oral lichen planus, an inflammatory condition with no definitive cure. Discover how purslane, a nutritious edible plant, shows promising results in treatment while posing minimal side effects. Learn about the safety concerns associated with aloe vera when ingested, including serious health risks. However, topical applications of aloe vera emerge as a powerful option, especially for both oral and genital lichen planus. This exploration blends nutrition with innovative treatment possibilities.
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Purslane Shows Therapeutic Promise
- Oral lichen planus is a chronic autoimmune condition affecting the mouth lining and may progress to cancer in about 1% of cases.
- Current treatments are symptomatic, but edible plants like purslane show promising effectiveness with few side effects.
Use Purslane Topically, Limit Intake
- Avoid eating excessive purslane due to its high oxalate content which can risk kidney damage if consumed in very large amounts.
- Use purslane topically as a gel for oral lesions, since it matched topical steroids in effectiveness with minimal side effects.
Oral Aloe Carries Liver And Thyroid Risks
- Aloe vera ingestion has been linked to cases of acute hepatitis and electrolyte and thyroid disturbances in some people.
- Causation is hard to prove without re-exposure tests, but documented re-challenge reports exist for aloe-induced liver injury.
