The efficacy of topically applied curcumin 1% as alternative or complementary to triamcinolone acetonate in treatment of oral lichen planus (randomized control trial)
Published in Biomedical Research
https://doi.org/10.4103/tdj.tdj_76_24
https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202409.1822.v1
Abstract
Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the mucous membranes, believed to be an immune-mediated condition. Its persisting nature can lead to extended discomfort for those affected. The primary symptoms are pain and a burning sensation, with a potential risk of malignancy if not properly managed, necessitating lifelong clinical monitoring. Presently, OLP is considered a significant challenge due to the absence of a definitive cure.
Patients and methods
Thirty patients with OLP were divided into three groups, 10 patients each: group A: 10 patients with OLP were received topical triamcinolone acetonide. Group B: 10 patients with OLP were received topical curcumin. Group C: 10 patients with OLP were received topical triamcinolone acetonide combined with topical curcumin for 6 weeks. Each patient was examined at baseline, 1 and 3 months of therapy. Pain was scored using the visual analog scale. Salivary level of interleukin-6 were estimated at baseline, 1 and 3 months evaluation periods.
Results
Significant decrease in pain score was observed in all groups and there was a statistically significant difference between them at all treatment periods in favor to group C. Additionally, all groups showed a decrease in the size of lesions which was greater in group A, C compared to the B group. A significant reduction of the mean interleukin-6 continued down to 3 months in all groups with statistically insignificant difference between them at 3 months, while statistically significant difference in favor to group C at 1 month was observed.
Conclusion
The results proved the benefit of curcumin as a promising medication when used in combination with conventional therapy in treatment of OLP patients. However, further long-term studies with large sample size are neede
I am an assistant lecturer at Sphinx University in Assiut, Egypt, specializing in oral medicine, periodontology, oral diagnosis, and dental radiology. I also work as a consultant visitor dentist at the Police Hospital. I graduated from Tanta University in 2001 and completed my education and training in Egypt before practicing clinically in Saudi Arabia from 2004 to 2014. I have pursued a PhD program at Al-Azhar University in Egypt since 2023. My international journey began in 2010 when I started preparing for the RCS Exam, eventually earning membership after passing several steps. This achievement marked a new and exciting phase in my academic career.
On the international level, I hold various positions: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8404-438X
- MFDS Examiner RCPSG since March 2023.
- International Specialty Advisor RCSEng since 2023.
- Mentor RCSEng 2024.
- International Reviewer/Associate Editor since 2023
- Associate Faculty of Dental Trainers RCSEd 2024
- Examiner of Oral Medicine Diploma RCSEd 2025
- Speaker at IDEX Egypt (2024-2025)/ International speaker at conference of oral health in Japan 2025/ International speaker at International Conference on Clinical Case Reports Dubia 2023.
I am deeply passionate about creating pathways for postgraduate development, supporting early-career specialists, and bridging the gap between clinical training and academic research.
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