Journal of Indian Academy of Oral Medicine and Radiology (Jan 2010)
Comparative Study of the Efficacy of Curcumin and Turmeric Oil as Chemopreventive Agents in Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Clinical and Histopathological Evaluation
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), A chronic disease characterized by fibrosis of oral mucosa is a premalignant condition carrying a high-risk of malignant transformation. So far none of the treatment modalities have proved curative. Turmeric and its active ingredient "curcumin" are being studied upon as chemopreventive agents in various diseases. This study was carried-out to evaluate the efficacy of turmeric dispensed in two forms, namely curcumin capsules and turmeric oil in patients with OSMF both clinically and histopathologically and to compare them with conventional chemopreventive treatment Materials and Methods: Forty eight patients who were clinically and histopathologically confirmed as having OSMF were selected for the study and were randomly divided into three groups. Group I patients were given curcumin capsules. Group II turmeric oil and Group III: the control group were provided with muttinal tablets. The patients were called upon every 15 days for 3 months of treatment and then followed up every month for 6 months. The results were analyzed with Anova Technique and Students" test. Results: After treatment and follow-up statistically significant improvement was observed in the clinical signs and symptoms of patients treated with curcumin and turmeric oil when compared to those with multinal. Positive changes were also observed in the histopathological examination after treatment with curcumin and turmeric oil. Conclusion The therapy with curcumin and turmeric oil is beneficial, affordable and noninvasive form of treatment in patients with OSMF.
