Efficacy of Spirulina 500 mg vs Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.1% for the Treatment of Oral Lichen Planus: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

The present study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of spirulina 500 mg in reducing the burning sensation and lesion size in oral lichen planus (OLP). A total of 60 subjects who attended the oral medicine specialty clinic with histopathologically confirmed OLP and having symptoms of burning sensation were recruited for the study. They were randomly divided into two groups: group A (30) subjects were prescribed Spirulina 500 mg twice daily along with only a week application of topical triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% thrice daily; group B subjects were prescribed topical triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% alone thrice daily for 8 weeks. Both the groups were followed up posttreatment monthly for three consecutive months. Data were recorded, and statistical analysis by using ANOVA one-way test, and Chi-square test were performed, which showed statistically significant p-value (<0.005) for the parameters "burning sensation" and "size of the lesion". When compared between groups, group A showed a favorable outcome of the intervention. Spirulina 500 mg supplementation twice daily could be effective adjunct therapy with steroids to treat OLP. This research allowed us to delve into spirulina as one of the treatment modalities for OLP. Further studies are needed as it is a rich source of proteins and vitamins and demonstrates potent anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant actions.