Efficacy of topical turmeric, calendula officinalis, and tulsi (ayurvedic gel) in the management of erosive lichen planus: A placebo-controlled study

Abstract

Background: Chronic mucocutaneous symptoms are a hallmark of lichen planus (LP), an inflammatory disease of the stratified squamous epithelium. The most severe type of mucosal lichen is oral erosive lichen planus (OELP). Materials and Methods: Thirty patients were included in this prospective trial, with fifteen patients each assigned to Group A and Group B. Patients were given a choice between a placebo gel and an ayurvedic gel comprising pure turmeric, Calendula officinalis, and tulsi powder in an oral basis. At each appointment, the patients' reactions to therapy were scored on the Tel Aviv-San Francisco Scale, whereas the degree of the fire was rated using a Visual Analog Scale. Data analysis was carried out using IBM's Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Insights version 21. Results: After receiving ayurvedic gel, patients in Group A reported much less burning than those in Group B (placebo). Group A responded better to therapy overall than Group B. Conclusion: This study's findings support the use of an ayurvedic gel made from pure turmeric, Calendula officinalis, and tulsi powder for the treatment of erosive lichen planus.

Keywords

• ayurvedic gel
• burning sensation
• calendula officinalis
• erosive lichen planus
• tulsi
• turmeric