Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the effectivness and safety of levamisole in the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcer. Methods: The databases such as Cochrane Library, PubMed, CNKI and Wanfang Data were searched by computer to include randomized controlled trails(RCTs) on levamisole in the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcer. Studies were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criterion. Data were extracted and the meta-analyses were performed by using RevMan 5.2 software. Results: 9 studies(331 patients) were included in the review of levamisole in treatment of RAU. The results of meta-analyses showed, compared with placebo group, levamisole was superior in improving RAU(OR=4.92,95%CI[2.14,11.32],P=0.0002). 46 patients were reported adverse reactions. 16 studies(1854 patients) were included in the review of levamisole combined with traditional chinese medicine in treatment of RAU. The results of meta-analyses showed, compared with placebo group, levamisole was superior in improving RAU(OR=4.92,95%CI[2.14,11.32],P=0.0002). No one were reported with adverse reactions. Conclusion: Current evidences show that levamisole combined with TCM is likely to be more effective and safety in the treatment of RAU than using levamisole only. However, for the limited evidence and lower methodological quality of the included studies, this conclusion still needs to be verified with more high-quality RCTs.

Key words: Levamisole , Traditional , Chinese medicine , Recurrent aphthous ulcer , Systematical review, Meta analysis