Evaluation of efficacy of Curcumin and Clove oil lozenges in comparison to topical triamcinolone acetonide paste in treatment of oral submucous fibrosis: A randomized control trial

·     Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, inflammatory, and potentially malignant disorder of the oral cavity, and has been linked to the chewing of areca nut. Oral submucous fibrosis has a number of characteristic signs and symptoms, including gradual mouth narrowing, oral mucosal blanching, burning and discomfort while consuming food, hypomobility of the tongue and soft palate, diminished taste sensibility, and minor hearing impairment as a result of eustachian tube obstruction.

Polyphenols have antioxidant properties that make them important for both preventing and treating OSMF. Turmeric, an Indian golden spice, is a polyphenol that has long been known for its medicinal effects. From ancient times, curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has been utilized extensively in India as a folk medicine for many diseases.It is used as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer agent towards treatment of inflammatory, immune mediated and potentially malignant lesions.

·    Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is one of the most valuable spices that has been used for centuries as food preservative and for many medicinal purposes plant represents one of the richest sources of phenolic compounds such as eugenol, eugenol acetate and gallic acid and possess great potential for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food applications. The spice contains a good amount of minerals like magnesium, manganese, potassium, iron, and selenium Antioxidants are compounds which are essential for the treatment of oxidative stress. Treatment with clove oil reduces oxidative stress mediated by reduced glutathione levels.

Clove oil and turmeric may provide a powerful combination for management of oxidative stress in OSMF and for improving its signs and symptoms. It may be a potential breakthrough in management of OSMF using indigenous, herbal products.