Analysis of curcumin extract with and without coconut oil in reducing the symptoms of Oral submucous fibrosis

Abstract

Background: Oral submucous fibrosis is a chronic condition that causes tissue fibrosis. To improve the quality of life the aim of the management is to improve mouth opening and relieve unpleasant symptoms. Due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic potential of curcumin its role has been validated in OSF, additionally coconut oil add on may give some more efficacious results when used as an adjuvant to physiotherapy in management of OSF.

Methodology: It was an experimental study conducted at tertiary care hospital of Karachi from September 2022 to February 2023. Patients with other oral pre-malignant lesions and newly diagnosed cases (N=30) of oral submucous fibrosis were recruited from the dental OPD and they were divided in to two groups, n= 15 group 1, received the coconut oil and n=15, group 2 received the coconut oil mixed with 1gm of curcumin extract. Patients were counseled regarding the application of oils on the fibrous bands in the oral cavity buccal mucosa and physiotherapy exercises by mouth were recommended. They were instructed to apply the oil 2 times a day and follow-up was performed on every 30^th day.

Results: The mean difference in pain/ burning sensation and interincisal opening was observed significant (p=<0.05) before and after the intervention in both the groups. Coconut oil with and without curcumin extract reduced the pain / burning sensation however, despite being insignificant curcumin extract seemed to increase the interincisal opening by 3 mm when compared to coconut oil group.

Conclusion: Application of coconut oil facilitates the sufferers in managing pain/burning sensation however, if curcumin extract is added it promotes mouth opening with time.