Determination of Clinical Efficacy of Lycopene and Curcumin in the Treatment of Oral Submucous Fibrosis Using Ultrasonography: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of lycopene and curcumin using ultrasonography to assess changes in fibrous bands in patients with oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF).

Methodology: This comparative prospective study was conducted at the Department of Oral Diagnosis, Bhitai Dental & Medical College, Mirpurkhas, Sindh, from March 2023 to February 2024. Patients were randomly allocated into two equal groups: Group A and Group B. At baseline, all patients underwent clinical examination. Mouth opening was measured using a Vernier caliper, burning sensation was assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and ultrasonography was performed to evaluate the extent of fibrous bands. Patients in Group A received lycopene 4 mg twice daily for three months, whereas patients in Group B received curcumin 4 mg twice daily for the same duration. Mouth opening, burning sensation, and ultrasonographic findings of fibrous bands were assessed monthly throughout the treatment period.

Results: Of the 40 patients included, 33 (82.5%) were males and 7 (17.5%) were females. The mean age of the male patients was 32.8 ± 7.5 years, while the mean age of the female patients was 29.6 ± 6.5 years. Following treatment, both groups showed improvement; however, Group A demonstrated a significantly greater increase in mean mouth opening (5.5 mm) than Group B (3.0 mm) (P<0.001). Lycopene was also more effective than curcumin in reducing burning sensation.

Conclusion: Lycopene was more effective than curcumin in improving mouth opening and reducing burning sensation in patients with oral submucous fibrosis.