Comparative evaluation of spirulina and lycopene as an adjuvant to intralesional corticosteroid injection therapy in the management of oral submucous fibrosis: A pilot study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, progressive condition characterized by fibrosis of the oral mucosa, leading to restricted mouth opening and significant impairment in quality of life. Current treatment modalities lack a universally accepted protocol, prompting the need for adjunctive therapies to enhance treatment outcomes. Objective: To compare the efficacy of spirulina and lycopene as antioxidant adjuvants to intralesional corticosteroid therapy in the management of OSMF. Materials and Methods: A prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 participants diagnosed with Grade III OSMF. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups: Group I received spirulina 500 mg tablets daily, and Group II received lycopene 8 mg tablets daily. Both groups received weekly intralesional corticosteroid injections (Triamcinolone Acetonide 40 mg/ml) for 8 weeks. Clinical parameters, including mouth opening, burning sensation, recurrent ulceration, cheek flexibility, and the presence of fibrous bands, were assessed at baseline and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Results: = 0.01). Spirulina also showed superior results in reducing the burning sensation and enhancing cheek flexibility. No significant difference was observed in the reduction of fibrous bands between the groups. Both groups showed improvement in recurrent ulceration, but no significant difference was noted at the 6-month follow-up. Conclusion: Spirulina, due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, is a more effective adjuvant to corticosteroid therapy in the management of OSMF compared to lycopene. Future research with larger, more diverse populations is warranted to validate these findings.
Institutions: Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Cooper Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Periodontics
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7117292501