Study of cytoplasmic staining in buccal smears using curcuma longa (turmeric) extract as an alternate to eosin as compared to H & E staining procedure

Abstract

Eosin is an efficient synthetic dye belonging to xanthenes group. Eosin dyes are efficient but are hazardous to human and animal health. Owing to this, an alternative dye that has a good staining ability, eco-friendly, biodegradable & commercially available turmeric known as Curcuma longa was used. The intense yellow color of turmeric inspired us to explore its efficacy as an alternative for eosin in routine cytological procedure and compare it with routine H&E stain. The present study aims to explore the efficacy of turmeric extract as a cytoplasmic counter stain instead of eosin and a comparative assessment with routine H&E in cytological smear. A total of 30 individuals were initially included in the study, which comprised of 2 cytological smears were taken from each individual and each smear was stained with H&E and Curcuma longa respectively. All the slides were interpreted by 3 observers and findings were recorded separately. The intensity of staining was recorded as follow: 0 – Poor / no stain, 1 – Mild, 2 – Moderate, 3 – Intense. The results were analyzed using Spearsons correlation test.The results revealed that the staining intensity of Curcuma longa is similar to that of eosin.