Nature’s Anti-inflammatory agent and its use as a Local drug delivery agent for treatment of chronic periodontitis: A clinical, microbiological and biochemical study

Abstract

Periodontal disease can lead to progressive loss of tooth-supporting tissues and alveolar bone. Due to the clinical limitations of scaling and root planing and recolonization of bacteria, the use of systemic and local administration of antimicrobial agents as adjuncts seems beneficial. In recent years, herbal and ayurvedic remedies are being researched to treat common infections and inflammatory conditions. Here an attempt was made to evaluate the effect of curcumin 10mg (Curenext) (CU) used as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy. A total of 10-15 sites in 14 patients with probing pocket depth 5-7mm were included. In experimental group, sites were treated with SRP+CU and in control group sites were treated with SRP alone. Plaque index, gingival bleeding index, gingival index, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level were assessed at baseline, 21st day, 30th day, and 90th day. Subgingival plaque samples were collected to assess periodontal pathogens like Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia and Fusobacterium nucleatum by anaerobic culture. GCF samples were collected to assess lactate dehydrogenase at baseline and 21st day. Results showed significant reduction in clinical parameters (PI, GBI, GI, PPD and CAL) and high statistically significant reduction in periodontal pathogens and lactate dehydrogenase in both the treatment groups, significant difference was seen in SRP+CU group. To conclude, the adjunctive use of curcumin 10mg (curenext* ) as an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiplaque agent along with routine mechanical debridement is definitely a promising therapy that would add to the potential benefits of the periodontal treatment.