Use of lycopene in the management of oral submucous fibrosis: a clinical study.

ABSTRACT

Background: Oral Submucous Fibrosis is a potentially malignant disorder well known for its chronic and resistant nature. The conservative drug treatment that is currently available for this disorder is clearly inadequate. Objective: The study was done to evaluate the efficacy of oral lycopene therapy when used in combination with conventional intralesional steroid therapy in the management of oral submucous fibrosis. Methods: Thirty patients with oral submucous fibrosis (grade III and IV) were included and randomly divided into 2 groups consisting of 15 each Group A (oral lycopene with biweekly intralesional steroids and hyaluronidase), Group B (biweekly intralesional steroids and hyaluronidase alone). Mouth opening and burning sensation were recorded from baseline to 6 weeks. Cases were followed up to 3 and 6 months. Results: We observed a complete relief of burning sensation in all patients of both the groups, There was significant increase in mouth opening among both groups. The patients in the group B had increased moth opening than the group A patients.The results were statistically significant Conclusion: Lycopene in combination with intralesional steroids and Hyaluronidase, is highly efficacious in improving the mouth opening and reducing other symptoms in patients with Oral Submucous Fibrosis. No side effects were reported with its usage.