Cathepsin-B and caveolin-1 gene expressions in oral lichen planus and oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Given the importance of the role of cellular changes in the prognosis and diagnosis of malignancies of the head and neck, we examined in this study the gene expressions of cathepsin-B (Cat-B) and caveolin-1 (Cav-1) which are in cell membranes structures involved in carcinogenesis, in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oral lichen planus (OLP) and compared them to controls. We also investigated their relationship to clinicopathological indices. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this case-control study, 29 paraffin blocks of OLP patients were compared to 29 paraffin blocks of OSCC samples as well as 28 paraffin blocks of normal oral tissue. Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to determine gene expressions and results were analyzed for their relationship to clinical data using chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: The mean age of OSCC and OLP patients were 59.24 ± 15.04 and 48.79 ± 14.17 years, respectively. The Cat-B and Cav-1 expressions were significantly higher in OSCC and OLP samples compared to control (p < 0.001). The highest expression was found in OSCC samples. The difference between OLP and control samples for Cat-B and Cav-1 expression was significant. There was no association between the gene expression and age, gender, duration of disease, Thongprasom score, smoking and cutaneous lichen planus. However, the expressions were related to the grade and stage of OSCC samples (P = 0.01, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The gene expressions of Cat-B and Cav-1 in OSCC were associated with the stage and grade of lesions. Therefore, they appear to be useful in predicting the biological behavior of OSCC and malignant transformation of OLP, although this process is multi factorial and more investigations are needed.

Effects of diode low-level laser therapy on healing of tooth extraction sockets: a histopathological study in diabetic rats.

Diabetes mellitus is mostly interrelated to deficiency in wound healing. Low-level laser therapy has been shown to exert reliable effects on the acceleration of wound healing process. This study aimed to determine the potential influence of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the healing of extraction sockets in diabetic rats. A total of 24 healthy male Wistar rats were selected for this study. After diabetes induction, the maxillary first molars of all rats were extracted bilaterally. Then, the animals were subjected either to Ga-Al-As laser at 808 nm or to Al-Ga-In-P laser at 660 nm at the right extracted socket every day for the next 14 days. The left sockets served as controls. Rats were sacrificed on the 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 14th days after tooth extraction. The samples were examined by a pathologist. LLLT at 808 nm was able to significantly repress inflammation, improve osteoid formation, and promote vascularization in comparison to the non-treated sockets. LLLT at 660 nm significantly suppressed inflammation and developed vascularization in comparison to the non-treated sockets, but failed to improve osteoid formation in the treated sockets. This study suggests that LLLT could be considered as a reliable treatment for wound healing in diabetic experimental rats.

Evaluation of the Cytotoxic Activity of Crocin and Safranal, Constituents of Saffron, in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (KB Cell Line).

Crocin and safranal are active ingredients in the saffron. Some studies have demonstrated antitumor activities of saffron ingredients. The aim of this study was to evaluate cytotoxic effects of crocin and safranal in oral squamous cell carcinoma (KB cells) and NIH 3T3 cell line as nonmalignant cells. The cells were incubated with crocin and safranal at 37°C for 24, 48, and 72 h, and cell viability was quantitated by MTT assay. Apoptotic cells, cell cycle distribution, and sub-G1 fraction were determined using propidium iodide staining of DNA fragmentation by flow cytometry. Crocin (0.05-4 mM) and safranal (0.2-3.2 mM) significantly inhibited the growth of KB cells (the inhibitory growth effects of all concentrations for both were >50% after 72 h), while they had less inhibitory effects on NIH 3T3 cells viability. The IC50 values of crocin and safranal against NIH 3T3 cells after 72 h were determined as 2.8 and 0.3 mM, respectively. Crocin and safranal induced a sub-G1 peak in the flow cytometry histogram of treated cells compared to control cells indicating that apoptotic cell death is involved in the toxicity of crocin and safranal. Apoptotic effects of crocin and safranal in tumor cells were more than normal cells. Neither crocin nor safranal affected the cell cycle progression. Crocin and safranal exerted apoptotic effects in KB cell line.

Secondary Involvement of the Mandible due to Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cutaneous malignancy among Caucasians. Rare examples of aggressive and neglected BCC have been reported. Here we report a unique case of a neglected BCC with significant jaw involvement. A 50-year-old female, referred by an otorhinologist, presented with a large ulcer on her chin, which was extended to her mandibular vestibule. The ulcer was 9×5.5 cm in size, and tissue destruction, necrosis was observed in the central portion, and the mandibular bone was exposed. On intraoral examination, tooth mobility and severe bone loss were evident. Due to the primary cutaneous origin of the lesion, BCC was considered as preliminary diagnosis. Biopsy was performed and diagnosis of BCC was confirmed. The diseased mandibular bone was resected and reconstructed with a surgical plate. The soft tissue defect was reconstructed with deltopectoral flap. The patient refused secondary stage plastic surgery. Although BCC is not a lethal malignancy, if left untreated and neglected, it can result in severe destruction, disfigurement, and even mortality.

Comparing the efficacy of a novel mucoadhesive patch containing Nigella sativa 10% with triamcinolone 0.1% in patients with erosive-atrophic oral lichen planus: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the efficacy of a novel mucoadhesive patch containing Nigella sativa 10% extract compared to triamcinolone 0.1% in alleviating symptoms and reducing lesion severity in patients with erosive-atrophic oral lichen planus. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A pilot study comprising two groups, each with 10 patients, was conducted. The intervention group received mucoadhesive patches containing N. sativa 10% extract, while the control group received triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% patches. Pain and burning intensity, measured through visual analog scale, and lesion severity based on the Thongprasom scale were assessed weekly for 4 weeks. Descriptive records were kept for side effects and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Pain and burning intensity decreased in both groups throughout the sessions, with the N. sativa group showing a greater reduction than the triamcinolone group. The reduction in burning intensity within each group was significant (p < .001), and there was a significant difference between groups only in the second session (p = .045). The overall difference between groups was not significant (p > .05). Lesion severity also decreased significantly in both groups (p < .001), with a significant difference between groups observed in the third session (p = .043) and overall throughout the study (p = .006). CONCLUSION: The use of N. sativa extract in mucoadhesive patches was as effective as corticosteroids in reducing pain, burning, and lesion severity in patients with oral lichen planus, with N. sativa showing superior results in some sessions. Notably, no significant complications were observed with N. sativa use, making it a promising treatment option for lichen planus.

Evaluation of the Effect of Photobiomodulation on Radiation-Induced Xerostomia in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Introduction: Radiotherapy-induced xerostomia is an important side effect of head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is one of the new emerging methods for preventing or reducing this problem. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of PBM on radiation-induced xerostomia in HNC patients. Methods: Thirty-seven patients with HNC who were referred for radiotherapy to Mashhad cancer center. In the case group, an infrared diode laser was used in contact mode on 16 points (covering minor and major salivary glands). The device emitted a wavelength of 810 nm and operated at the power of 200 mW and continuous wave mode. Each area was irradiated for 4 seconds in contact mode with gentle pressure, and the laser energy was 0.8 J with an energy density of 2.85 J/cm2 at the surface of the probe (spot size, 0.28 cm2 ). The total dose was 45.6 J/cm2. The power density was 714.2 w/cm2. In the control group, the sham laser device was used. Subjective xerostomia was evaluated through the LENT SOMA scale (LSS). Stimulated and unstimulated saliva was also assessed. Data were analyzed with SPSS ver22 statistical software. Results: The study included 26 men and 11 women with a mean age of 55.6±15.3 years. In the sixth week, the case group produced more stimulated saliva than the control group (P=0.006). They also had less subjective xerostomia than the control group in weeks four to six. Conclusion: In the present study, PBM had a preventive effect on stimulated saliva and subjective xerostomia and can be recommended as an adjunctive treatment. Further studies with a higher sample size and the use of a low-level laser in more sessions are needed for definitive comment.

Sarcoidosis and its oral manifestations: A case report study.

A patient was referred to the oral medicine department with redness and swelling of the lips and cheek, and an intra-oral lesion. Biopsy and laboratory investigations suggested a diagnosis of sarcoidosis. In this study we discuss oral findings associated with sarcoidosis.

Evaluation of Risk Factors in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer: A Case Control Study.

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. Since there are many factors that influence the development of cancer, identifying risk factors plays an important role in cancer prevention. The aim of this study was therefore to identify the risk factors for HNSCC in Mashhad, Iran. Methods: In this case-control study, 76 patients with HNSCC were included as the case and 91 healthy people as the control group. A checklist of risk factors was completed for each participant and the two groups were compared for the presence of risk factors. Chi-square, t test, and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare the data. Odds ratios (ORs) for several factors have also been determined. Findings: The educational level and body mass index (BMI) of the patients in the case group were significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.001). Moreover, there were significant differences between the two groups in terms of risk factors such as tobacco smoking, the number of cigarettes smoked per day, and its duration (P=0.001, P<0.001, P=0.05), as well as the duration of hookah smoking, opium consumed per day and use of alcohol (P=0.023, P<0.001, P=0.015). Conclusion: There was a direct relationship between HNSCC and risk factors such as cigarette smoking, number of cigarettes smoked per day, duration of cigarette consumption and hookah, opium consumed per day, and alcohol use. However, extensive studies with larger sample sizes are needed to better assess the impact of these factors and generalize the results.

Analyzing the relationship between tissue color observed in VELscope examination and histopathological factors in OSCC patients.

OBJECTIVE: Early detection of OSCC is a crucial step towards improving OSCC prognosis. In recent years, novel diagnostic aids such as light-based detection systems have been introduced for early diagnosis. VELscope is one such light-based device which is used to examine tissue fluorescence. Based on different studies, VELscope has a sensitivity of 90% in the diagnosis of oral premalignant and malignant lesions. Tumor depth of invasion and invasive front have recently been proposed as influential factors in OSCC prognosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the relationship between tissue color seen through this device and tumor depth of invasion. METHODS & MATERIALS: 20 histopathologically approved OSCCs were included in this study. Conventional oral examination was carried out followed by an assessment of the lesion using VELscope. The H&E slides prepared following the final OSCC surgeries were then examined by an oral pathologist to assess tumor depth of invasion (interpreted as low-risk/high-risk), invasivefront (low-risk/high-risk) and perivascular and perineural invasions. Data was transferred to SPSS 16 software. The association between color changes and histopathological factors was analyzed using the fisher's exact and chi-square tests. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 51/5+/-16/74, 60% of which were men. Most lesions were exophytic and the most common color seen during VELscope examination was red. 55% and 50% of the OSCCs showed high-risk tumor depths and high-risk invasive fronts respectively. Perivascular and perineural invasion was seen in 55% and 35% of the samples respectively. Statistical analysis showed that 72/2% of the lesions with high tumor depths and 70% with high-risk invasive fronts were seen as red, although these associations were not significant (P>0/05). Tumor depth was significantly correlated with invasive front (P<0/05). CONCLUSION: There was no significant relationship between the type of color seen through VELscope and tumor depth of invasion, however most cases with high-risk depth of invasions were red.

Correlation of glycemic control with salivary oxidative markers in subjects with prediabetes and diabetes: A cross-sectional study.

Background and aims: Rising levels of oxidative stress play an important role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to some assess salivary antioxidants in patients with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and healthy control. We also assessed the potential clinical relevance of salivary antioxidants with glycemic control. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 30 prediabetes, 31 type 2 diabetes, and 39 sex-matched normoglycemic individuals. To assess the salivary oxidative status, we measured the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and uric acid (UA) by spectrophotometry. Results: Salivary MDA levels were significantly higher in individuals with diabetes compared to prediabetes, and control groups (p = 0.001). MDA and SOD were significantly correlated with fasting blood sugar (FBS) and HbA1C (p < 0.001, r = 0.43, p < 0.001, r = 0.34, and p = 0.003, r = 0.29 p = 0.01, r = 0.23 respectively). Salivary TAC was also significantly correlated with FBS (p = 0.02, r = 0.23). Furthermore, salivary MDA was an independent determinant of type 2 diabetic patients compared to healthy subjects (p = 0.04). According to the cutoff point in the ROC curve, the MDA index was below 2.8 in 82.1% of the controls (specificity), and it was above 2.8 in 64.2% of the Individuals with diabetes (sensitivity). Conclusion: The simultaneous assessment of salivary oxidative and antioxidant factors, revealed weak but a significant positive association between MDA and glycemic status in diabetes. However, further investigations are required to confirm our results.

Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in institutionalized elderly people in Mashhad, Northeast Iran.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in institutionalized elderly people in Mashhad, northeast of Iran. BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of oral lesions in the institutionalized elderly. METHODS: In this survey, we studied all of the nursing homes in Mashhad; a total of five encompassing 237 residents. The subjects were examined and lesions recorded in a designed checklist. T-test, chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used for the analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 79.59 ± 8.88. Ninety-eight per cent of cases had at least one oral mucosal lesion. The most common lesions were fissured tongue (66.5%), atrophic glossitis (48.8%), sublingual varicosity (42%) and xerostomia (38%). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of denture-related lesions (DRLs) between men and women (p > 0.05). Xerostomia was more prevalent in 70-79-year-old than in 60-69-year-old subjects. No case of oral malignant lesion was detected. DISCUSSION: These findings revealed a higher prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in Mashhad city compared with other studies conducted in other major cities in Iran and abroad. The results emphasise the necessity of national programmes towards oral health promotion.

Comparison of colchicine versus prednisolone in recurrent aphthous stomatitis: A double-blind randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is one of the most common ulcers of the oral cavity with a reported prevalence of 5- 50%. There is still no definitive treatment for RAS; however, immunosuppressive and immunomodulant agents have been proposed. In this study, we compared the therapeutic effects of 5 mg/d prednisolone with 0.5 mg/d colchicine in the treatment of RAS. METHODS: In a double-blind randomized clinical trial, 34 patients with RAS were randomly divided into two groups for treatment with prednisolone or colchicine. All patients took the medication for three months and were assessed at two weeks intervals. The groups were compared for size and number of lesions, severity of pain and burning sensation, duration of pain-free episodes and any side effects of the prescribed medicines. Both colchicine and prednisolone treatments significantly reduced RAS (p < 0.001). No significant differences in size and number of lesions, recurrence and severity of pain and duration of pain-free period were seen between the two treatment groups. Colchicine (52.9%) had significantly more side effects than prednisolone (11.8%). CONCLUSION: Low dose prednisolone and colchicine were both effective in treating RAS. Given that the two therapies had similar efficacy, yet colchicine was associated with more side effects, , 5mg/d of prednisolone seems to be a better alternative in reducing the signs and symptoms of the disease.

The evaluation of psychiatric drug therapy on oral lichen planus patients with psychiatric disorders.

OBJECTIVES: Current treatments of oral lichen planus are palliative, not curative. Because psychiatric disorders significantly influence the development and severity of oral lichen planus, the use of psychiatric drug therapy may be an adjunct in treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of drug therapy of psychiatric disorders in oral lichen planus. STUDY DESIGN: Our controlled clinical study consisted of forty-six patients with oral lichen planus and psychiatric disorders who were randomly divided into two groups. Both groups were given topical corticosteroids and the study group received additional psychiatric drug therapy. Patients were monitored for a period of 6 months. Response to treatment was evaluated in each group and was compared with the other group using Mann-Whitney tests. We evaluated the correlation between psychiatric disorders and the recovery of oral lesions using Spearman's correlation coefficient analysis. RESULTS: Decrease in the size of the lesions was significantly greater in the study group after six months, but this difference was not significant in relationship to the pain experienced and the kind of lesion. Spearman's correlation coefficient analysis demonstrated that, in the sixth month, there was a significant and direct relationship between recovery from the psychiatric disorders and response to treatment of OLP lesions, particularly as it pertained to the kind of lesion. CONCLUSION: The present study indicates that the combination of psychiatric drug therapy and routine treatment methods were effective in reducing the size of the lesions, but did not have any significant effect on the symptoms.

Evaluation of the diagnostic value of a Modified Liquid-Based Cytology using OralCDx Brush in early detection of oral potentially malignant lesions and oral cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To determine diagnostic value of modified Liquid Based Brush Biopsy technique. STUDY DESIGN: 26 oral premalignant and malignant lesions in 25 patients (12 females; 54.23+/-19.77 years and 13 males; 53.77+/-15.43 years) underwent Modified (Liquid Based) Brush Biopsy and scalpel biopsy simultaneously from the same area. RESULTS: There were 16 positive and 10 negative brush biopsy results, with no inadequate readings. Histological findings were compatible with oral leukoplakia (n=5) with dysplasia, Oral lichen planus and lichenoid reaction (n=7) (with or without dysplasia) oral squamous cell carcinoma (n=11),verrucous carcinoma (n=1) and granular cell tumors (n=2). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive diagnostic likelihood ratio (LR+) and negative diagnostic likelihood ratio (LR-) were 88.8%, 100%, 100%, 80%, infinity and 0.11 respectively (no false positive results). CONCLUSION: It is the first attempt to do LBC with a specialized oral brush. Our results show that modified technique is a useful tool for screening of oral premalignant and malignant lesions.

Evaluation of desmoglein 1 and 3 autoantibodies in pemphigus vulgaris: correlation with disease severity.

BACKGROUND: Pemphigus is an autoimmune blistering disease of the skin and mucous membranes caused by autoantibodies against desmoglein 1 (Dsg1) and desmoglein 3 (Dsg3). Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is the most common form of pemphigus. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between the levels of anti-desmoglein 1 and 3 autoantibodies and the severity of PV disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nineteen newly diagnosed patients with pemphigus vulgaris were enrolled in this study. The titers of Dsg in subjects by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were done at diagnosis time-point, 4th and 8th weeks after the initiation of treatment, and the correlation of antibodies with the oral and skin disease severity was evaluated. RESULTS: The severity of cutaneous lesions was significantly correlated with anti-Dsg1 titer in all visits and the severity of mucosal lesions was correlated with the titer of Dsg3 in the third visit (<0.001, 0.001, 0.016 and 0.015 P value, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Anti-Dsg-1 autoantibodies titers seem to be more useful in showing the extent of the disease and activity in pemphigus with mucocutaneous lesions. Key words:Pemphigus vulgaris, Desmoglein (Dsg), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Squamous cell carcinoma arising from an odontogenic keratocyst: a case report.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) derived from keratocystic odontogenic tumor is an extremely rare tumor that is limited to the jaws. Most intraosseous carcinomas originate from the epithelial lining of odontogenic cysts, so they are called odontogenic carcinomas. They occur more frequently in men and the mean age of patients is 57 years. The following report describes an extremely rare case of an odontogenic carcinoma derived from a keratocystic odontogenic tumor in a 20-year-old man. The patient presented with an exophytic lesion in the retromolar region of the mandible which was first noticed by the patient 25 days earlier. In panoramic radiograph a well-defined radiolucency around the impacted 3rd molar was observed. Clinical and radiographic diagnosis was odontogenic SCC. Surgical resection was performed and histhopathologic examination of the lesion confirmed the diagnosis of SCC in the wall of a keratocystic odontogenic tumor.

Oral administration of nanomicelle curcumin in the prevention of radiotherapy-induced mucositis in head and neck cancers.

Oral mucositis (OM) is a complication of head and neck cancer (HNC) therapy with negative impact on the quality of life. Although definitive treatment has not yet been established, there is interest towards the use of natural compounds owing to their few side effects. Curcumin has a variety of biological and pharmacological properties including anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects. AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of curcumin in the form of nanomicelle on OM in HNC patients receiving radiotherapy. METHODS: In this clinical trial, 32 HNC patients were allocated to case and control groups, and respectively received nanocurcumin or placebo during radiotherapy. RESULTS: We found a statistically significant difference in the severity of mucositis between the 2 groups at all visits. In contrast to the control-group patients, who all developed OM in the 2nd week of radiotherapy, only 32% of the case group developed OM with no obvious oral or systemic side effects. CONCLUSION: Our data show that nanomicelle curcumin is an effective agent in the prevention of OM or reducing its severity. Thus, the administration of nanocurcumin can be considered as a reasonable approach to hinder the development of OM in HNC patients requiring radiotherapy.

The diagnostic value of the native fluorescence visualization device for early detection of premalignant/malignant lesions of the oral cavity.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to determine the diagnostic value of a native fluorescence visualization device in the identification of oral malignant/dysplastic lesions. METHODS: This study involved 45 patients who had oral lesions that were suspected to be malignant, potentially malignant, or benign. The patients visited the Oral Medicine Department of the Mashhad Dental School. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and likelihood ratio of this device were determined. RESULTS: The histopathological assessment of samples showed 9 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma and 12 lesions with dysplasia. Ten samples of dysplastic lesions and all malignant lesions appeared dark or red/orange when examined with the native fluorescence visualization device. In 90% of the dysplastic/malignant lesions, the label-free fluorescence results were positive. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of this device were 90%, 15%, 40%, and 71%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The native fluorescence visualization device can be used in specialized centers as an adjunctive device to increase the sensitivity of a clinical examination, but is not capable of distinguishing benign lesions from malignant and dysplastic ones due to its low specificity.

Extranodal NK/T Cell Lymphoma with Destruction of the Uvulae: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Extranodal Natural Killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) nasal type is a rare but well-known disease with poor prognosis. NKTCL is more prevalent in Asia and comprises about 7-10% of all non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases in this region. The characteristic clinical pattern of NKTCL is the destruction of the midline structures of the mid-face. CASE REPORT: The present study examines a case of NKTCL in a 23-year-old man with a destructive ulcer of the palate and uvulae. Based on immunohistochemical results, after three months of delay, the definitive diagnosis was revealed to be Extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma. Following the third cycle of chemotherapy, the patient died due to sepsis and infection. CONCLUSION: It is very common to misdiagnose NKTCL with other clinical conditions such as necrotizing stomatitis, deep fungal ulcers, Wegener's Granulomatosis disease, etc. Delay in diagnosis can worsen the course of the disease and its prognosis.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Curcumin in the Treatment of Oral Lichen Planus: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is a chronic immunological, mucocutaneous disease with a wide range of clinical appearances. The treatment of oral lichen planus is often difficult and disappointing. AIM: We have studied the efficacy of curcumin, a low molecular weight flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities, in the treatment of OLP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with a total of 20 OLP patients. The patients were randomly divided into two groups, each treated with curcumin tablets at a dose of 2000 mg/day or placebo for a period of four weeks. Furthermore, the patients of both groups received routine treatment for OLP (i.e. Mouthwash Dexamethasone 0.5 mg and suspension Nystatin 100,000 Units). The baseline data were recorded for each patient. Patients were evaluated on day 14 and after completing the course of treatment. Pain and burning sensation were measured based on the Visual Analogue Scale, and the Thongprasom Index was used for clinical improvement and healing. Mann-Whitney and independent t-test were used to compare the responses between the two groups, p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Our analyses demonstrated no significant difference between the curcumin and placebo treated groups. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, curcumin had no detectable effect in the treatment of OLP. However, a higher dose of curcumin administration and other forms of curcumin with improved bioavailability may be considered in future studies.