title: High-dose curcuminoids are efficacious in the reduction in symptoms and signs of oral lichen planus.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Curcuminoids are components of turmeric (Curcuma longa) that possess anti-inflammatory properties.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We sought to study the efficacy of curcuminoids in controlling the signs and symptoms of oral lichen planus, at doses of 6000 mg/d (3 divided doses), and their safety at this dose.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty consecutive, eligible patients who consented were enrolled into this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in 2007 through 2008. Measurement of symptoms and signs of oral lichen planus using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and the Modified Oral Mucositis Index (MOMI), respectively; complete blood counts; liver enzymes; C-reactive protein; and interleukin-6 levels was done at baseline and day 14. Two-sided P values are reported.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the placebo group, the percentage changes from baseline in NRS (median [interquartile range] = 0.00 [-29 to 16.7], P > .99), erythema (0.00 [-10 to 16.7], P = .98), ulceration (0.00 [0.00 to 26.7], P = .63), and total MOMI scores (-3.2 [-13 to 9.09], P = .95) were not statistically significant, whereas they were statistically significant in the curcuminoids group: NRS (-22 [-33 to -14], P = .0078); erythema (-17 [-29 to -8.3], P = .0078), ulceration (-14 [-60 to 0.00], P = .063), MOMI (-24 [-38 to -11], P = .0039). The curcuminoids group showed a greater reduction in clinical signs and symptoms as compared with the placebo group, measured by percentage change in erythema (P = .05) and total MOMI score (P = .03), and proportion showing improvement in NRS (0.8 vs 0.3, P = .02) and total MOMI score (0.9 vs 0.5, P = .05). Adverse effects were uncommon in both groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The small sample size resulted in limited power, particularly for multivariate analyses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Curcuminoids at doses of 6000 mg/d in 3 divided doses are well tolerated and may prove efficacious in controlling signs and symptoms of oral lichen planus.
authors: Department of Orofacial Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143-0658, USA. nita.wu@ucsf.edu
authors: Nita
authors: N
authors: Chainani-Wu
authors: Erin
authors: E
authors: Madden
authors: Francina
authors: F
authors: Lozada-Nur
authors: Sol
authors: S
authors: Silverman
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D003474:Curcumin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000378:metabolism; D017676:Lichen Planus, Oral / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D020714:Maximum Tolerated Dose; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D015850:Interleukin-6; D010936:Plant Extracts; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D003474:Curcumin