Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine and compare the therapeutic efficacy of Curcuma caesia Roxb over Curcuma Longa in managing Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A clinical trial was conducted on 51 patients diagnosed with oral submucous fibrosis, who were equally divided into two groups. The first group received a treatment of powdered Curcuma caesia Roxb mixed with honey in an equal ratio. In contrast, the second group received powdered Curcuma longa mixed with honey in a similar ratio. Both groups were instructed to apply the mixture thrice daily for three months. Additionally, a control group received a placebo, and all patients were advised to continue physiotherapeutic mouth-opening exercises for three months. The parameters evaluated included burning sensation, cheek flexibility, mouth opening, and tongue protrusion. RESULTS: Statistically significant results were observed after 3 months (P < 0.001). Group A showed more symptomatic improvement than Group B. Group A experienced a significant reduction in burning sensation and increased mouth opening, while Group B showed significant improvement in cheek flexibility. The mean percentage increase in mouth opening was significantly greater in Group A compared to Group B, but VAS scores for burning sensation did not show marked differences. P-value was statistically significant in both cases to show promising results. CONCLUSION: The study shows that Group A patients had reduced burning sensation, improved tongue protrusion, and increased mouth opening, while Group B had slightly better cheek flexibility. Curcuma caesia roxib improved clinical parameters like burning, tongue flexibility, and mouth opening. The study concludes that combination therapy can manage complex conditions like Oral Submucous Fibrosis effectively. Larger-scale studies with bigger sample sizes are recommended.