With many consumers turning away from traditional oral care products, oral care companies have begun using curcumin as an alternative.
Curcumin, derived from the turmeric plant, is a polyphenol with well-studied anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and neuroprotective properties that help combat chronic inflammation and oxidative stress common in periodontal disease. Curcumin has been found to inhibit the growth of common oral pathogens such as Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Some of the studies included in the review found that curcumin-based mouthwashes and gels were effective in reducing gum inflammation and plaque, making them an effective alternative to products containing chlorhexidine, which can cause side effects such as tooth staining and altered taste.
Uses in Pain Management and Cancer Treatment
The systematic review also highlighted the role of curcumin in the prevention and treatment of oral cancer. Its antioxidant properties help neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, which is known to be a factor in carcinogenesis. Curcumin induces cancer cell death and inhibits tumor growth, making it a potential adjunct in oral cancer therapy. Some of the included clinical studies have shown that curcumin can enhance the effects of conventional chemotherapeutic agents while minimizing their side effects.
Another important area of interest is the effect of curcumin on inflammation of the oral mucosa, which is a common complication of cancer treatment. The anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties of curcumin help reduce the severity of mucositis and, in some cases, help mouth ulcers heal faster. Topical application of curcumin-based formulations has shown promising results in relieving pain and inflammation associated with mucositis.
For non-cancerous ulcers, neither study noted a difference between treatment with curcumin gel and triamcinolone acetonide gel, as pain, number and duration of ulcers decreased in both groups of patients.
As for cancer lesions, the authors say, “recent studies have demonstrated the ability of natural compounds such as curcumin and green tea to reduce the progression of precancerous lesions.” One of the studies cited showed that patients with precancerous lesions experienced significant reductions in pain and lesion size when given curcumin. Serum and salivary markers of oxidative stress were also reduced.
These same anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as pulpitis and periapical periodontitis. Curcumin’s ability to modulate pain sensations and its synergistic effect with analgesics make it a valuable addition to pain management protocols.
Disadvantages of this “miracle plant”
Despite its promising therapeutic potential, the clinical use of curcumin is limited by its low bioavailability. Curcumin is poorly soluble in water and is rapidly metabolized and eliminated from the body. Strategies to enhance its bioavailability, such as the use of curcumin nanoparticles, fat-soluble substances such as olive oil, and compounds such as piperine, have been shown to improve its absorption and efficacy.
“Curcumin, lycopene, and piperine together have shown promising results in the treatment of precancerous lesions, offering chemopreventive treatments for oral cancer and improving patients' quality of life,” the authors write. Although the cited study found curcumin to be beneficial for the chemoprevention of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, its low bioavailability was problematic. Thus, chewing gum was formulated to improve mucosal absorption and it was demonstrated that bioavailability was enhanced by direct contact with the gums. The researchers noted that these discoveries provide a strong foundation for further research into “more targeted and less invasive potential therapeutic approaches.”
The most distressing side effect for patients is the potential for staining of the mouth and teeth with long-term use or in high doses. Researchers have suggested using the white metabolite of curcumin, tetrahydrocurcumin.
Use with caution
Curcumin’s low toxicity keeps it a safe alternative for long-term use in dentistry. Unlike synthetic chemicals, natural curcumin does not cause significant side effects, making it suitable for a wide range of patients, including those with chronic diseases and the elderly. Its natural origin also fits in with the growing trend toward natural and holistic approaches in healthcare.
Clinicians looking to use curcumin should not only be eager to learn more about it medically and its value from an aesthetic perspective, but also be prepared to test their patients to ensure they are not allergic to curcumin.