ABSTRACT
AIM AND OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the efficacy of TurmNova® lozenges and its active ingredient "curcumin" as a low-cost, safe, and noninvasive chemopreventive agent with intralesional corticosteroids (with hyaluronidase) in the management of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 80 patients with group III OSMF (Khanna JN and Andrade NN classification) visiting the dental outpatient clinic of the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology Rama Dental College Hospital and Research Center, Kanpur, were selected for the study. A total of 80 patients were randomly divided into two groups (40 participants each): group A to whom TurmNova® lozenges containing turmeric extract 100 mg along with clove oil 10 mg three times daily for 3 months were given and group B to whom intralesional infiltration of 2 mL dexamethasone (4 mg/mL) + hyaluronidase 1500 IU dissolved in 0.5 mL of 2% lignocaine twice a week for 3 months was given. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics, version 21 (IBM Corp. Released 2012. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 21.0. Armonk, New York: IBM Corp.) Results: Statistical analysis revealed that there was significant clinical improvement in mouth opening and subjective symptoms, like burning sensation/pain associated with the lesion and tongue protrusion in the group A as compared to group B. CONCLUSION: Curcumin (100 mg) in an innovative delivery system of lozenge results in a higher level of plasma curcumin level. The aforementioned dosages prevent its biotransformation and inactivation by the liver enzymes. Because of these properties, curcumin lozenges are safer, low-cost, and effective alternative treatment in contrast to the present traditional treatment. Further long-term, prospective, large-scale studies need to be done. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Curcumin has a role in the treatment of oral premalignant conditions and acts as a very effective chemopreventive agent in the prevention of cancer.
