Efficacy of combination of curcumin–Piperine with antioxidants in oral submucous fibrosis: A randomized, open-label study

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) predominantly involves the buccal mucosa, retromolar area, and soft palate in the oral cavity. Curcumin exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and anti-fibrotic properties.Aims and Objectives:This study aimed to evaluate and compare the therapeutic response of curcumin-piperine combination with antioxidants in OSMF patients.Materials and Method:Patients with OSMF were divided into groups of four, of which two were allotted to the experimental group and two to the control group. Both groups were given antioxidants with physiotherapy. The experimental group patients were additionally given 6 gm of the study medication (curcumin-piperine tablets) daily in three divided doses. The patients were asked to have two tablets after three meals. Improvement in burning sensation and mouth opening was evaluated every 15 days during both the active and follow-up periods (six months).Results:Burning sensation improved in both groups; however, complete resolution was noted in the curcumin group. The experimental group showed a 10% increase in mouth opening, against 2% in the control group. This increase was highly statistically significant in the experimental group compared with the control group.Conclusion:The curcumin-piperine combination has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, thus used along with physiotherapy in the management of early/moderate cases of OSMF.