A Rare Case of Tamarind Seed Induced Oral Submucous Fibrosis in a 12-Year-Old Indian Boy

Abstract

Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic debilitating, potentially malignant disorder of the oral cavity. It is characterized by restricted mouth opening which results due to abnormal accumulation of collagen in the sub-epithelial layers leading to dense fibrous bands in the mouth. The pathogenesis of the disease is believed to be multifactorial. However, literature reports suggest a strong association of OSMF and arecanut chewing habit. The present paper presents a case of OSMF in a 12-year-old boy without arecanut chewing habit, but with a heavy practice of chewing tamarind seeds.

Keywords

• alkaloids
• copper
• tannins