Assessing the Effect of Curcumin on the Oral Mucosal Cytomorphometry and Candidal Species Specificity in Tobacco Users: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Objectives: Tobacco consumption is of major concern for public health. Compromised oral hygiene accentuated by tobacco leads to alteration in the oral mucosa and microbiome, including Candida, and its species can be identified rapidly using CHROMagar. Curcumin, a naturally available compound possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-carcinogenic, anti-fungal, and immunomodulatory properties. Hence, a comprehensive study was planned. Aim: To evaluate and compare cytomorphometric analysis and Candida colonization and speciation in tobacco users before and after the use of curcumin gel. Materials and Methods: The study comprised a total of 120 participants (the study (tobacco habit) group, n = 60 and control (healthy) group, n = 60). The intervention was the application of curcumin gel over the lesion area three times daily for 2 months. All participants’ oral health status was assessed, followed by cytomorphometric analysis and Candida colonization and speciation using CHROMagar. Results: Cytomorphometric analysis showed statistically significant differences in the control and study group for cell diameter (CD), nuclear diameter (ND), CD: ND ratio, and micronuclei (p = 0.0001). Candida colonization had a significantly higher number of colonies in the habit group when compared to the control group. Candida tropicalis was predominant in the study group, whereas Candida albicans was predominant in the control group. In the study group, after intervention with curcumin, a statistically significant difference was seen in nuclear diameter, CD: ND ratio, and micronuclei. There was a reduction in the number of Candida colonies, and Candida albicans was the predominant species observed in the study group after the intervention of curcumin and discontinuation of habit. Conclusion: Curcumin was found to reduce the number of micronuclei and also decreased Candida colonization, along with the discontinuation of habit in tobacco users.

Benefits of Natural Antioxidants on Oral Health

“…The purpose of the study by Mehta et al [ 83 ] was to analyse the effect of CUM gel on the Candida oral colonies in subjects using tobacco products. Tobacco use is known to compromise oral hygiene, leading to alterations in the oral microbiome, including Candida.…”

Cytomorphometric Changes of Buccal Exfoliated Pap Stained Smears among COVID-19 Recovered Patients; Sudan 2022

“…Perhaps this is the first study done in Sudan of this nature, however, several previous studies searched on cytomorphometric changes in the exfoliated cells from oral mucosa in patients with diabetes, tobacco users, smokers and alcoholics, and patients exposed to computed tomography and remarkable changes were founded (12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19). In the current study, Sudanese patients who have been exposed to the infection and recovered from the coronavirus were closely investigated concomitantly compared with a healthy population and their collected data was analyzed to reveal some of the mysteries of the disease in its behaviour.…”

Knowledge and Practices Regarding Oral Hygiene, Cariogenic Diet Intake, and Dental Check-Ups Among Registered Nurses in Nigeria: A Pilot Study

“…1 Healthy practices, such as good oral hygiene measures, regular dental check-ups, and healthy diets play a very crucial role in good oral health maintenance. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] Oral hygiene measures such as daily tooth brushing, interdental cleaning, and tongue scraping help to remove oral plaque, pathogenic microbial load, and halitosis, and massage the salivary glands and gingivae. [5][6][7][8][9] Regular dental check-ups enhance the early detection and prompt prevention and treatment of oral diseases (oral cancer, dental caries, etc.).…”

“…18 However, in a situation where the hygienic condition of the mouth is poor, the oral cavity and the body systems stand at higher risk of acquiring diseases. 3,[10][11][12] For example, local oral infections-such as dental caries, periodontitis, and oral cancer-and systemic diseases-such as infective endocarditis, and cerebrospinal meningitis-have been strongly associated with poor oral hygiene. [10][11][12] Also, the frequent consumption of cariogenic diets such as chocolates, candies, and sugar drinks cause dental caries.…”

“…3,[10][11][12] For example, local oral infections-such as dental caries, periodontitis, and oral cancer-and systemic diseases-such as infective endocarditis, and cerebrospinal meningitis-have been strongly associated with poor oral hygiene. [10][11][12] Also, the frequent consumption of cariogenic diets such as chocolates, candies, and sugar drinks cause dental caries. 13 It has been observed that people's understanding and behaviors toward oral health plays a very crucial role in determining their oral health status.…”