A Comparative Study to Evaluate Efficacy of Curcumin and Aloe Vera Gel along with Oral Physiotherapy in the Management of Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Rationale (Hypothesis): The antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,immunomodulatory and anti-tumorigenic properties of natural plant's extracts like aloe Vera and curcumin may produce beneficial therapeutic effects on OSMF patients and may lead to their symptomatic relief. Also, increase in the tissue elasticity with the help of oral physiotherapy excercises , would help in reinforcing increment in mouth opening.

Aim: The aim of the study is to compare the efficacy of Curcumin gel with Aloe Vera gel when both the gel are supplemented along with oral physiotherapy in the management of OSMF.

Materials and methods: A study of parallel group trial design, using simple randomization technique, was conducted on confirmed cases of OSMF. Patients were divided into two groups, one group(30 patients) was given curcumin gel(Curenext) and other group (30 patients) aloe Vera gel (Aloe Vera 100% relief) and each group was asked to do same oral physiotherapy excercises supplementally. Follow-up was done for 6 weeks and patients were assessed on the basis of improvement in mouth opening and burning sensation at 2, 4, and 6 weeks.

Results: There was an improvement in both the parameters at subsequent visits, but the Aloe Vera gel showed better improvement than curcumin gel in burning sensation after 6 weeks of treatment which was highly statistically significant p < 0.01.

Conclusion: Curcumin gel and Aloe Vera gel are effective in improving OSMF symptoms, but aloe Vera gel is more efficacious in burning sensation improvement without any side effects. Hence, we can advocate these drugs as adjuvant treatment in addition to the recommended treatment.

Keywords: Keywords: Aloe vera; Oral Physiotherapy; Oral submucous fibrosis; curcumin.