Effectiveness of Omega-3 fatty acids and spirulina as an adjuvant antioxidant to corticosteroid in the treatment of oral submucous fibrosis – A comparative study

Abstract

Introduction: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic insidious and a well-recognized potentially malignant disorder of the oral cavity. Due to its high morbidity and malignant transformation rate, relentless efforts have been made to improve effective management, despite not much improvement in the prognosis. Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties. With its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulating properties, Spirulina has shown promising results in the management of OSMF. This present study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of Omega-3 fatty acids and Spirulina in the management of OSMF. Aims and Objectives: To find out and compare the effectiveness of Omega-3 fatty acids and spirulina in the management of OSMF. Methods and Material: 40 OSMF patients with clinically diagnosed OSMF were selected and divided into two groups. Group A was given biweekly intralesional injections of 1.5 ml Dexamethasone in 4 mg/1 ml and Hyaluronidase 1500 IU mixed with Lignocaine 0.5 ml for six weeks and with omega-3 fatty acid capsules 1 gm three times daily for three months. Group B received similar intralesional injections but with spirulina 500 mg twice daily for three months. All the patients were followed up every month for 3 months and then after six months. Results: Both groups improved mouth opening, cheek flexibility, and VAS burning sensation except tongue protrusion (p < 0.05). When the efficacy was compared between two drugs, statistically insignificant results were found for mouth opening, tongue protrusion, cheek flexibility, and burning sensation. Conclusion: Omega 3 and Spirulina can be effective adjunctive treatment options in patients with OSMF to reduce subjective symptoms. Statistically, significant improvement was seen in both groups.