28 May 2024 | Francesco Inchingolo, Alessio Danilo Inchingolo, Giulia Latini, Irma Trilli, Laura Ferrante, Paola Nardelli, Giuseppina Malcangi, Angelo Michele Inchingolo, Antonio Mancini, Andrea Palermo, Gianna Dipalma
This systematic review explores the therapeutic benefits of curcumin in oral health and diseases. Curcumin, a polyphenol extracted from the root of *Curcumin cuma Longa*, has been recognized for its therapeutic properties since ancient times. Recent studies have confirmed its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, immunological, and neuroprotective effects, as well as its ability to regulate intestinal microbiota. The review highlights how curcumin can benefit oral health by preventing and improving pathological processes. Curcumin-based mouthwashes and gels have shown comparable efficacy to chlorhexidine in controlling bacterial plaque and gingivitis, with fewer side effects. Curcumin's high permeability and bioavailability when combined with liposoluble substances or piperine make it an excellent alternative for oral disinfection. The review also discusses curcumin's potential in treating periodontal diseases, oral mucositis, potentially malignant disorders, and oral cancer. While curcumin shows promise, further research is needed to optimize its administration methods and dosages. The review concludes that curcumin represents a significant natural compound with broad therapeutic applications in oral health, offering potential solutions for various oral pathologies.This systematic review explores the therapeutic benefits of curcumin in oral health and diseases. Curcumin, a polyphenol extracted from the root of *Curcumin cuma Longa*, has been recognized for its therapeutic properties since ancient times. Recent studies have confirmed its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, immunological, and neuroprotective effects, as well as its ability to regulate intestinal microbiota. The review highlights how curcumin can benefit oral health by preventing and improving pathological processes. Curcumin-based mouthwashes and gels have shown comparable efficacy to chlorhexidine in controlling bacterial plaque and gingivitis, with fewer side effects. Curcumin's high permeability and bioavailability when combined with liposoluble substances or piperine make it an excellent alternative for oral disinfection. The review also discusses curcumin's potential in treating periodontal diseases, oral mucositis, potentially malignant disorders, and oral cancer. While curcumin shows promise, further research is needed to optimize its administration methods and dosages. The review concludes that curcumin represents a significant natural compound with broad therapeutic applications in oral health, offering potential solutions for various oral pathologies.