ABSTRACT
Curcuma longa, commonly called Turmeric, is a plant, belonging to family Zingiberaceae (ginger family) which has been used in traditional medicine for the management of several diseases such as diabetic ulcers, rheumatic conditions, external wounds and cough. Diferuloylmethane is the most active chemical extract found in Curcumin, has been shown to exert antioxidant, antiaging, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, wound healing, antitumoral and antipsoriatic effects. Delayed wound healing is a very common complication associated with diabetic patients, following extractions. Recent research has suggested that curcumin has great potential to address this.METHODSA total of 11 patients, who satisfied the inclusion criteria (RBS= <200 mg/dL) were selected from the out-patient department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, FDS- RUAS. They were then divided into two groups – test and control, comprising of 6 in test group 5 in control group. Following the extraction, in the test group patients, Curcuma oral gel was placed, within the extraction socket. Both the groups were given standard post-extraction instructions. Healing of both study and control group extraction sockets were assessed on day 0, day 3 and day 7 respectively.RESULTSThe study group patients showed statistically significant reduction in the width of extraction socket on day 3 [mesial (p-value =0.03)] and day 7 [mesial (p-value =0.002)]. Central (p-value =0.03) and Distal (p-value =0.03)) and significant reduction of pain by day 7 (0.002).CONCLUSIONSCurcumin is a safe, natural herb, giving good results in the healing of the extraction socket in diabetic patients, with definite improvement in the soft tissue healing.