Background: Platelets play an important role in inflammation and hemostasis. Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease, is linked to an increase in platelet activation leading to increased risk for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Aim: The aim was to evaluate whether platelet indices (mean platelet volume [MPV], platelet distribution width [PDW], and plateletcrit [PCT]) can be a biomarker for determining the severity of periodontal disease and to assess the relation between platelet indices in patients with periodontitis and healthy controls. Materials and Methods: The study included 3 groups – moderate periodontitis, severe periodontitis, and systemically healthy controls without periodontitis. Clinical parameters recorded were clinical attachment level and probing pocket depth and venous blood samples were drawn for the analysis of MPV, PDW, and PCT. Results: ANOVA test with post hoc Tukey's test was used to compare among 3 groups. Statistical analysis of platelet indices was done using sample t -test. The mean values of MPV, PDW, and PCT gradually increased from normal to severe periodontitis. Conclusion: Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory process, causes not only increase in the quantity of platelets but also causes platelet activation which leads to change in platelet size, platelet shape, and platelet aggregation. As periodontitis causing platelet activation which seems to be a contributing factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases.

Context:Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of microbial origin. Locally delivered antimicrobials reduce subgingival flora. Achyranthes aspera gel has antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulant effects.Aims:To evaluate the efficacy of local drug delivery of A. aspera gel in the management of chronic periodontitis.Materials and Methods:Thirty patients with chronic periodontitis were considered in the study and categorized into two equal groups (Group A: scaling and root planing (SRP) with A. aspera gel, Group B: SRP with placebo gel). Patients were enlisted from the Department of Periodontics, Mamata Dental College and Hospital. The clinical parameters (gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level) were recorded at baseline and 3 months.Statistical Analysis Used:All the obtained data were sent for statistical analyses using SPSS version 18.Results:The periodontitis and the Achyranthes were statistically analyzed. A comparison of clinical parameters for test group and control group from baseline to 3 months was done using paired t-test. Intergroup comparison for both the groups was done using independent sample t-test.Conclusions:A. aspera gel when delivered locally along with SRP showed a beneficial effect. A. aspera gel as a non-surgical local drug delivery system proved to be without any side effects in the management of periodontitis. A. aspera gel has strong anti-inflammatory effects in addition to its antioxidant activity.