The Effect of Nutritional Supplementation with Curcumin on RANKL/OPG Ratio in Gingival Crevicular Fluid of Chronic Periodontitis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background and Objectives: Although periodontitis is an infectious disease of the periodontium, changes that occur in bone are critical because the destruction of bone is responsible for tooth loss. A key system for controlling bone turnover is the RANK-RANKL-OPG system. Curcumin is a polyphenol with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties which has an inhibitory effect on NF κs. As an attempt to assess the effect of Curcumin on RANKL/OPG ratio levels in chronic periodontitis patients, this study was done to evaluate the effect of nutritional supplementation with curcumin on RANKL/OPG ratio in the gingival crevicular fluid of chronic periodontitis patients. Methodology: The study was conducted in the Department of Periodontology, Rajarajeswari Dental College and Hospital. A total of 60 patients, Group I with 30 subjects, receiving a scaling and root planing and curcumin supplements in the form of tablets twice (500 mg) a day for 6 weeks. Group II with 30 subjects, receiving scaling and root planning and placebo twice a day for 6 weeks. All clinical parameters were recorded and GCF was collected from all the subjects at baseline and at 6 weeks after treatment to estimate the levels of RANKL/OPG ratio by ELISA Results: In the test group there was a significant decrease in a GI, PI, PD, CAL from baseline to 6 weeks. In both the groups there was a decrease in the RANKL/OPG ratio from baseline to 6 weeks after treatment but the decrease in the test group was more statistically significant. Conclusion: Nutritional supplementation with curcumin showed a significant decrease in clinical parameters and also RANKL/OPG ratio at 6 weeks after treatment. Hence curcumin can be used as an adjunct in the treatment of periodontal diseases.