Background And Objective: OSMF is an avancing premalignant condition for which a reliable treatment modality has not yet evolved. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of newer anti-oxidant - Lycopene in the treatment of OSMF.
Material And Methods: The study group included 50 patients with OSMF. The diagnosis of OSMF was established thrugh a composite of clinical and histopathologic characteristics. Out of 50 patients, 25 were given licopene (8 mg Lycored/ day in divided doses of 4 mg each for a period of 3 months. Remaining patients recieved placeo tablets twice a day. Patients were examined for changes in mouth opening and oter symptoms of OSMF during 3 months and were followed for the next 2 months.
Results: Lycopene was found to be significantly effeficaious in the amelioration of signs and symptoms of OSMF. It was also effective in reducing the objective signs of OSMF as demonstrated by the improved maximal mouth opening, ercentage of which was 69.56 (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Reactive oxygen compounds or free radicals have been implicated as one of the major harmful sector for premalignant and malignant conditions. Our study concludes that lycopene appears to be very promising drug in the management of OSMF.
Co-Author Dr. Durgesh Bailoor (standing left)