Effects of topical application of Curcuma longa extract in the treatment of early periodontal diseases

Abstract

Background: Treatment of plaque-induced periodontal disease is largely based on the mechanical debridement of the tooth surface and meticulous maintenance of oral hygiene thereafter. Various chemical plaque control agents are used as adjuncts along with the mechanical plaque control methods for this treatment. Most of these chemical plaque control agents have varied side effects. This has led to the search of natural products which are highly effective in controlling plaque microbes while being biocompatible. Turmeric is one such well-known plant product, known for its varied medicinal value. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Curcuma longa oral formulation in treatment of infective inflammatory early periodontal diseases. Materials and Methods: This clinical study comprised twenty individuals presenting with clinical features of plaque-induced gingivitis and mild periodontitis. Three groups were randomly made in mouth of each patient selected for the study. Group I was treated with scaling and root planing (SCRP) only. Group II was treated with SCRP plus C. longa oral formulation topical application for 2 weeks. Group III was treated only with topical application of C. longa extract oral formulation for 2 weeks. Gingival index, sulcus bleeding index, and plaque index were scored in each group before and after the treatment. Results: The results showed statistically significant improvement with respect to all the clinical parameters in all the three groups. However, Group II showed the maximum improvement (P < 0.001), followed by Group I (P < 0.001) and Group III (P < 0.05). The intergroup difference between the three groups for the improvements in clinical parameters was statistically nonsignificant. Conclusion: The oral formulation containing C. longa extract is effective in treating early infective-inflammatory periodontal diseases not only when used as an adjunct to SCRP but also when used alone.