Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research (Jan 2022)
A randomized, double-blind, split-mouth controlled clinical trial of systemically administered Lycopene on periodontal health
Abstract
Background/Purpose: This research aimed to compare the effects of systemically prescribed Lycopene as a monotherapy and as an alternative to scaling and root planing in patients with chronic gingivitis. Materials and methods: The participants were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: the experimental group (n = 50), which received 10 mg of Lycopene a day for two weeks, or the control group (n = 50) received a placebo for two weeks. For each category, quadrant distribution was randomized, with two quadrants receiving oral prophylaxis (OP) and two quadrants receiving no care (non-OP). At baseline, 1st, and 2nd weeks, the sulcus bleeding index, plaque index, gingival index, and salivary uric acid level were measured. Results: All clinical criteria, including SBI, PI, GI, and salivary uric acid levels, showed a statistically significant decline in all patient types. Both clinical parameters were significantly reduced (p < 0.001) in the OP-lycopene group relative to the non-OP-placebo group and non-OP lycopene group (p < 0.05). The PI value in the OP-lycopene group was statistically significantly lower (p < 0.001) than in the non-OP-placebo group; there was no statistically significant difference in the other groups. Salivary uric acid levels in the OP- and non-OP- lycopene groups were significantly lower (p < 0.001) than in the non-OP-placebo population. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, Lycopene seems to have a bright future as a treatment option for plaque-induced generalized chronic marginal gingivitis. More research with a broad sample size and multicentre trials is required. Clinical relevance: The article reveals the positive relationship between Lycopene and gingivitis. The analysis shows that a combination of systemically administered Lycopene with oral prophylaxis can be a valuable tool in treating chronic gingivitis and controlling respiratory oxidative stress.
