Effect of curcumin in management of potentially Malignant disorders-A comparative study

Abstract

Author(s): Shalini Kapoor, Pallak Arora

Aims and Objective: Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (Pmds) are one of the most prevalent lesions worldwide today. Leukoplakia, lichen planus (LP) and Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) are the utmost common potentially malignant disorders, which if not treated, can be lethal. Turmeric and its active ingredient “curcumin” are being studied upon as chemopreventive agents in oral leukoplakia. Curcumin is the most active ingredient of turmeric and it exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-apoptotic activities. The purpose of the study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy and effect of curcumin in oral potentially malignant disorders in systemic form.

Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in our institution. The sample size consisted of 60 patients who were clinicalhistopathologically diagnosed with leukoplakia, lichen planus, and OSMF. The study group comprised of Group A-20 patients with Leukoplakia, Group B-20 patients with lichen planus and Group C-20 patients with OSMF. In all the three groups curcumin (cap Himalaya Haridra) 400 mg once daily was administered in systemic form for 3 months. Follow up was done up to 6 months. Data was statistically analyzed by SPSS 16, paired t-test and one tail unpaired t-tests were used.

Results: A significant increase in the mouth opening was observed in Group C and marked decrease in the size of lesions in groups A, B, and C.

Conclusion: Our study suggests that curcumin is a potent, safe and inexpensive modality for the management of PMDS

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