Abstract:Objective: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a premalignant condition of oral cavity characterized by inflammation and progressive mucosal fibrosis. It has questionable pathogenesis. Mast cells (MC) have been associated with variety of inflammatory and fibrotic conditions, but little is known about their role in OSMF. Mast cells have been studied in normal gingiva, chronic inflammatory gingivitis, desquamative gingivitis, lichen planus, OSMF and oral cancer. Mast cells exhibit phenotypic plasticity. There is variation in the mast cell mediators with the change in the microenvironment, which makes the study of this cell in various diseases interesting. Study design:A retrospective study was conducted to find possible correlation between MC in 25 cases of OSF, 10 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and 10 cases of normal buccal mucosa by means of acidified toluidine blue staining method. Results:The density of MC increased with disease progression. The densities of MC were significantly higher in OSMF than in normal buccal mucosa (p=0.001). The average numbers of MCs per square millimeter were 25, 49.50, 53.25 & 55.25 respectively. Conclusion:The results suggest that MC have a definite role in initiation and progression of OSMF.

Anjananamika is a Raktapradhana Vartmagata Sadhya Netra Vikara caused by the vitiation of Rakta and Mamsa of Vartma due to improper Ahara and Viharas.1 The Lakshanas of Anjannamika appears to be similar to that of Hordeolum externum, acute suppurative inflammation of the eyelash follicles and its associated glands of Zeis or Moll.2 It is a Raktapradhana Vyadhi along with the involvement of other Doshas, Pittahara and Doshahara treatment can be done. All the drugs in Mukkadi Bidalaka and Patoladi Kashaya Parisheka are Chakshushya and have Pitta Shamaka properties. The case selected in this study, patient has been suffering from pain, foreign body sensation, discomfort, congestion, mild watering and photophobia in the upper palpebral conjunctiva of the left eye. Mukkadi Bidalaka and Parisheka was administered twice a day for 5 days, with follow up of one week in Anjananamika. Here a sincere effort is made to evaluate the effect of Mukkadi Bidalaka and Patoladi Kashaya Parisheka. Clinical data collected in 5 days course shows complete relief from the symptoms.