Role of lycopene and combination of lycopene with multivitamins in the treatment of oral submucous fibrosis patients – A comparative study

Introduction: Oral Sub Mucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is the most common potentially malignant disorder found across India caused by chewing gutkha with tobacco. A number of studies have proven the use of antioxidants in the management of OSMF. Aim: The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of antioxidants Lycopene and composition of carotenoids, lycopene, minerals and alpha lipoic acid in the treatments of OSMF patients. Material and Method: 50 clinically diagnosed OSMF male patients were included in the study and were divided equally into two groups. Group A –was administered with 8mg LYCOPENE capsuleorally with intralesional injection of dexamethasone (Dexona)and hyaluronidase (Hynidase)and GROUP B – with combination of carotenoids, lycopene, alpha lipoic acid and minerals (SM FIBRO) with intralesional injection of dexamethasone (dexona) and hyaluronidase (hynidase). Both the groups were given intralesional injection every 10 days for 3 months. Different clinical parameters like mouth opening and burning sensation were evaluated every 10 days for 3months. ANOVA test and unpaired t test was done for statistical analysis. Results: Group B patients showed improvement in degree of mouth opening, burning sensation, as well as elasticity of mucosa as compared to group A. Significant p value of <0.001 was noted on comparison between two Groups Conclusion: Treatment modality of Group B was more effective in treating the patients with OSMF than group A. No side effects were seen in both the groups except some patients complained of pain during administration of intralesional injection.