title: Evaluation of the effect of newer antioxidant lycopene in the treatment of oral submucous fibrosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a well-known premalignant condition encountered in Indian population. Although the disease is advancing rapidly, its reliable treatment modality for its various stages has not yet evolved. The aim of the present study is to compare the effect of newer antioxidant lycopene with a placebo in conjunction with the cessation of causative habit in the treatment of OSMF.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study group included 92 patients with OSMF. The OSMF diagnosis was established through a composite of accepted clinical and histopathological characteristics. Out of 92, 46 patients were given lycopene and remaining 46 were on placebo drug. Lycopene group patients received 8 mg Lycored TM per day in two divided doses of 4 mg each, while placebo group patients received placebo tablet twice a day. Patients were examined for changes in mouth opening and other clinical symptoms of OSMF during three months and were followed up for next two months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Lycopene was found to be significantly efficacious in the amelioration of signs and symptoms of OSMF. It was effective in reducing the objective signs of OSMF as demonstrated by the improved maximal mouth opening, percentage of which was 69.56%(P<0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Reactive oxygen compounds or free radicals have been implicated as one of the major harmful factors for premalignant and malignant conditions. Present study concludes that lycopene, a newer antioxidant, appears to be a very promising drug in the management of OSMF.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Med. and Radio, V.S.P.M. Dental College, Hingna, Nagpur, Sharad Pawar Dental College, Wardha, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Tapasya Vaibhav
authors.initials: TV
authors.lastname: Karemore
authors.forename: Mukta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Motwani
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003094:Collagen; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D004848:Epithelium / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D004890:Erythema / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D000077276:Lycopene; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009914:Oral Submucous Fibrosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D019226:Oral Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D010919:Placebos; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000187:drug effects; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D010919:Placebos; D002338:Carotenoids; D003094:Collagen; D000077276:Lycopene