Clinical & biochemical evaluation of herbal extract on submucous fibrosis.

Introduction: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a prevalent disease in India, mainly caused by tobacco chewing (areca nut, pan masala, and betel quid). Its treatment is still under debate, as none of the treatment modalities have been statistically superior to one another, may it be medical or surgical.

Aim and objective: Clinical and interleukin-6 (IL-6) assessment in patients of submucous fibrosis at baseline and 3 months of follow-up, after intervening their usual treatment with the herbal extract.

Methodology: Sixty patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 was given the standard treatment, while group 2 was given herbal extract along with the standard treatment.

Results: A significant reduction (P < 0.05) in burning sensation and pain upon mouth opening was observed in group 2 patients. Also, comparatively more decrease in the level of IL-6 was noted in group 1.

Discussion: Sphaeranthus, Ocimum, and honey are already being used, separately or together, in many diseases as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant.

Conclusion: The herbal extract, used in this study, can be used as an adjunct in OSMF for alleviating the painful symptoms at an early stage.