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 and Gianna Dipalma
Curcumin, a polyphenol derived from the root of Curcuma longa, has been extensively studied for its therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer effects. This systematic review evaluates the role of curcumin in oral health and diseases, focusing on its potential as an adjunctive therapy for conditions such as periodontitis, oral mucositis, potentially malignant disorders, and oral cancer. The review highlights curcumin's ability to improve clinical parameters, reduce inflammation, and enhance oral health outcomes. Studies show that curcumin-based formulations, such as gels and nanogels, are comparable to conventional treatments like chlorhexidine in managing bacterial plaque and gingivitis, with fewer side effects. Curcumin also demonstrates efficacy in reducing the severity of oral mucositis, improving symptoms, and promoting tissue healing. In the context of oral cancer, curcumin exhibits anti-cancer properties, reducing tumor markers and enhancing the effectiveness of conventional therapies. However, curcumin's poor bioavailability and potential side effects, such as tooth staining, require further research to optimize its use. The review emphasizes the need for more studies to define optimal dosages and administration methods, as well as to explore curcumin's potential in combination with other natural and conventional treatments. Overall, curcumin shows promise as a safe and effective alternative to traditional therapies in oral health management.Curcumin, a polyphenol derived from the root of Curcuma longa, has been extensively studied for its therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer effects. This systematic review evaluates the role of curcumin in oral health and diseases, focusing on its potential as an adjunctive therapy for conditions such as periodontitis, oral mucositis, potentially malignant disorders, and oral cancer. The review highlights curcumin's ability to improve clinical parameters, reduce inflammation, and enhance oral health outcomes. Studies show that curcumin-based formulations, such as gels and nanogels, are comparable to conventional treatments like chlorhexidine in managing bacterial plaque and gingivitis, with fewer side effects. Curcumin also demonstrates efficacy in reducing the severity of oral mucositis, improving symptoms, and promoting tissue healing. In the context of oral cancer, curcumin exhibits anti-cancer properties, reducing tumor markers and enhancing the effectiveness of conventional therapies. However, curcumin's poor bioavailability and potential side effects, such as tooth staining, require further research to optimize its use. The review emphasizes the need for more studies to define optimal dosages and administration methods, as well as to explore curcumin's potential in combination with other natural and conventional treatments. Overall, curcumin shows promise as a safe and effective alternative to traditional therapies in oral health management.