CLINICAL EVALUATION OF THE ROLE OF TULSI AND TURMERIC IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ORAL SUBMUCOUS FIBROSIS: A PILOT, PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
Dr. Twinkle Gupta* and Dr. Himani Khajuria
ABSTRACT
The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of
herbal medicines (1 gm tulsi and 1 gm turmeric mixed in glycerine
base) for the treatment of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). Forty-one
patients in the age group of 17- 56 years without any systemic
complications were included in the study. The patients were treated
with medicines, which were to e applied 3-4 times a day. Blood
samples were collected before and after treatment to screen for any
systemic changes due to these medications. Burning sensation and
mouth opening were recorded before and after treatment. Patients were followed up on
monthly subsequent visits for three months. Changes in the burning sensation on visual
analogue scale (VAS) scale and difference in the mouth opening were analyzed statistically.
A statistically significant improvement was seen in both burning sensation and mouth
opening. Tulsi and turmeric offers a safe and efficacious combination of natural products
available for symptomatic treatment of OSMF.
Keywords: Burning sensation, Curcuma longa, mouth opening, Ocimum sanctum, oral sub-mucous fibrosis, tulsi, turmeric.
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