Efficacy of Spirulina along with Different Physiotherapeutic Modalities in the Management of Oral Submucous Fibrosis

Comprehensive Review of the Latest Investigations of the Health-Enhancing Effects of Selected Properties of Arthrospira and Spirulina Microalgae on Skin

Arthospira platensis and Spirulina platensis microalgae are a rich source of pro-health metabolites (% d.m.): proteins (50.0-71.3/46.0-63.0), carbohydrates (16.0-20.0/12.0-17.0), fats (0.9-14.2/6.4-14.3), polyphenolic compounds and phenols (7.3-33.2/7.8-44.5 and 4.2/0.3 mg GAE/g), and flavonoids (1.9/0.2 QUE/g) used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. This review summarises the research on the chemical profile, therapeutic effects in dermatological problems, application of Arthrospira and Spirulina microalgae, and contraindications to their use. The pro-health properties of these microalgae were analysed based on the relevant literature from 2019 to 2024. The antiviral mechanism of microalgal activity involves the inhibition of viral replication and enhancement of immunity. The anti-acne activity is attributed to alkaloids, alkanes, phenols, alkenes, phycocyanins, phthalates, tannins, carboxylic and phthalic acids, saponins, and steroids. The antibacterial activity generally depends on the components and structure of the bacterial cell wall. Their healing effect results from the inhibition of inflammatory and apoptotic processes, reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, stimulation of angiogenesis, and proliferation of fibroblasts and keratinocytes. The photoprotective action is regulated by amino acids, phlorotannins, carotenoids, mycosporins, and polyphenols inhibiting the production of tyrosinase, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and free oxygen radicals in fibroblasts and the stimulation of collagen production. Microalgae are promising molecular ingredients in innovative formulations of parapharmaceuticals and cosmetics used in the prophylaxis and therapy of dermatological problems. This review shows the application of spirulina-based commercial skin-care products as well as the safety and contraindications of spirulina use. Furthermore, the main directions for future studies of the pro-health suitability of microalgae exerting multidirectional effects on human skin are presented.

Curcumin in the treatment of oral submucous fibrosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin in improving mouth opening (MO), burning sensation (BS), and tongue protrusion (TP) symptoms in patients with oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). An electronic search up to November 2022 was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO, ProQuest, and Cochrane Library databases to identify studies using curcumin in the treatment of OSF with comparison to control groups (drugs previously proven to be effective for OSF treatment) or placebo. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were considered. RevMan 5.3 software was used for the meta-analysis. Thirteen RCTs met the eligibility criteria and were included in the analysis. The results showed no significant improvement in MO (in millimetres) for curcumin when compared to control at 1 month (P = 0.91), 2 months (P = 0.54), 3 months (P = 0.56), or 6 months (P = 0.17) of treatment. There was no significant difference in BS (assessed using a visual analogue scale) between curcumin and control after 1 month (P = 0.05), 2 months (P = 0.64), 3 months (P = 0.13), or 6 months (P = 0.56) of treatment. Compared with the control groups, treatment with curcumin for 1 month (P = 0.32), 2 months (P = 0.07), and 3 months (P = 0.14) did not significantly improve the TP (in millimetres) of patients. The administration of curcumin, whether topically applied or taken orally, did not confer statistically significant improvements in MO, BS, or TP in comparison to the control treatments, among patients with OSF. The results of this meta-analysis showed that compared to placebo, the application of curcumin for 6 months markedly alleviated BS (P < 0.001). Curcumin treatment in OSF reaches a clinically effective range, but more bioavailability-centred outcomes should be reported. Robust multicentre RCTs are warranted to elucidate the efficacy of curcumin in improving specific outcomes like MO, BS, and TP in patients with this condition. Defining the therapeutic role of this natural compound may provide an effective botanical alternative for managing OSF.

Interventions for managing oral submucous fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic disease of the oral cavity that causes progressive constriction of the cheeks and mouth accompanied by severe pain and reduced mouth opening. OSF has a significant impact on eating and swallowing, affecting quality of life. There is an increased risk of oral malignancy in people with OSF. The main risk factor for OSF is areca nut chewing, and the mainstay of treatment has been behavioural interventions to support habit cessation. This review is an update of a version last published in 2008.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefits and harms of interventions for the management of oral submucous fibrosis.

SEARCH METHODS

We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was 5 September 2022.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We considered randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of adults with a biopsy-confirmed diagnosis of OSF treated with systemic, locally delivered or topical drugs at any dosage, duration or delivery method compared against placebo or each other. We considered surgical procedures compared against other treatments or no active intervention. We also considered other interventions such as physiotherapy, ultrasound or alternative therapies.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were 1. participant-reported resumption of normal eating, chewing and speech; 2. change or improvement in maximal mouth opening (interincisal distance); 3. improvement in range of jaw movement; 4. change in severity of oral/mucosal burning pain/sensation; 5.

ADVERSE EFFECTS

Our secondary outcomes were 6. quality of life; 7. postoperative discomfort or pain as a result of the intervention; 8. participant satisfaction; 9. hospital admission; 10. direct costs of medication, hospital bed days and any associated inpatient costs for the surgical interventions. We used GRADE to assess certainty of evidence for each outcome.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 30 RCTs (2176 participants) in this updated review. We assessed one study at low risk of bias, five studies at unclear risk of bias and 24 studies at high risk of bias. We found diverse interventions, which we categorised according to putative mechanism of action. We present below our main findings for the comparison 'any intervention compared with placebo or no active treatment' (though most trials included habit cessation for all participants). Results for head-to-head comparisons of active interventions are presented in full in the main review. Any intervention versus placebo or no active treatment Participant-reported resumption of normal eating, chewing and speech No studies reported this outcome. Interincisal distance Antioxidants may increase mouth opening (indicated by interincisal distance (mm)) when measured at less than three months (mean difference (MD) 3.11 mm, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.46 to 5.77; 2 studies, 520 participants; low-certainty evidence), and probably increase mouth opening slightly at three to six months (MD 8.83 mm, 95% CI 8.22 to 9.45; 3 studies, 620 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Antioxidants may make no difference to interincisal distance at six-month follow-up or greater (MD -1.41 mm, 95% CI -5.74 to 2.92; 1 study, 90 participants; low-certainty evidence). Pentoxifylline may increase mouth opening slightly (MD 1.80 mm, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.58; 1 study, 106 participants; low-certainty evidence). However, it should be noted that these results are all less than 10 mm, which could be considered the minimal change that is meaningful to someone with oral submucous fibrosis. The evidence was very uncertain for all other interventions compared to placebo or no active treatment (intralesional dexamethasone injections, pentoxifylline, hydrocortisone plus hyaluronidase, physiotherapy). Burning sensation Antioxidants probably reduce burning sensation visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at less than three months (MD -30.92 mm, 95% CI -31.57 to -30.27; 1 study, 400 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), at three to six months (MD -70.82 mm, 95% CI -94.39 to -47.25; 2 studies, 500 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) and at more than six months (MD -27.60 mm, 95% CI -36.21 to -18.99; 1 study, 90 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). The evidence was very uncertain for the other interventions that were compared to placebo and measured burning sensation (intralesional dexamethasone, vasodilators). Adverse effects Fifteen studies reported adverse effects as an outcome. Six of these studies found no adverse effects. One study evaluating abdominal dermal fat graft reported serious adverse effects resulting in prolonged hospital stay for 3/30 participants. There were mild and transient general adverse effects to systemic drugs, such as dyspepsia, abdominal pain and bloating, gastritis and nausea, in studies evaluating vasodilators and antioxidants in particular.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We found moderate-certainty evidence that antioxidants administered systemically probably improve mouth opening slightly at three to six months and improve burning sensation VAS scores up to and beyond six months. We found only low/very low-certainty evidence for all other comparisons and outcomes. There was insufficient evidence to make an informed judgement about potential adverse effects associated with any of these treatments. There was insufficient evidence to support or refute the effectiveness of the other interventions tested. High-quality, adequately powered intervention trials with a low risk of bias that compare biologically plausible treatments for OSF are needed. It is important that relevant participant-reported outcomes are evaluated.

Antioxidant treatments in patients with oral submucous fibrosis: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a well-known precancerous oral lesion, characterized by scarring, tissue fibrosis, and premalignant lesions. The goal of clinical treatment is to reduce inflammation and improve patients' quality of life by enhancing mouth opening among others. Antioxidant treatment has shown promising results in inducing regression of lesions and preventing OSMF in high-risk individuals. This study investigates the effectiveness of various antioxidant agents against OSMF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study followed PRISMA guidelines and searched three scientific databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, using specific algorithms related to "antioxidant treatment," "burning sensation," and "mouth opening." The quality assessment of controlled clinical studies adhered to Cochrane guidelines.

RESULTS

The analysis included 19 clinical trials comparing different treatments, including various antioxidants. Aloe vera, curcumin, and lycopene, among others, showed positive outcomes in treating OSMF by improving burning sensation, mouth opening, tongue protrusion, and cheek flexibility.

CONCLUSION

Antioxidant therapies are found to be effective in treating OSMF, even when compared to conventional treatments such as corticosteroids. The study highlights the need for further research and standardization of clinical protocols.

Emerging technologies and potential applications of algae in dentistry - A critical review

Algae are effective predecessors of nutrient foods and preventive drugs, gaining global attraction in recent years. It exhibits potent antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-glycemic, and cholesterol-lowering properties due to their richness in highly valuable secondary metabolites. Nevertheless, algae produce valuable bioproducts, its application in dentistry is in its primitive stage. This review focuses on the emergence and emerging role of micro/macroalgae as a natural source of therapeutic, preventive, and biocompatible agents in dentistry. Several studies unveiled that Cyanobacteria, Spirulina, and Chlorella species offer high oral antibacterial and antifungal properties compared to gold standard agents. The characteristic of algae to scavenge superoxide and hydroxyl free radicals, fabricate them as an anti-oxidative and anti-cancer agent. Either alone or by synergism with pinnacle therapies they are found to produce promising curative actions against periodontitis by embattling proinflammatory cytokines. Technologies extend the functions of microalgae as a detoxifying agent, potent drug delivery system, and adjunct regenerative material in chronic periodontitis. Its application as thickening, binding, anticariogenic agent in toothpaste, antibacterial agent in mouthwash, and biocompatible agent in dental impression materials remains very primitive. Low-cost and eco-friendly technologies are needed for the production of oral hygiene products using algal biomass.

Cyanobacteria and Microalgae as Sources of Functional Foods to Improve Human General and Oral Health

In the scenario of promising sources of functional foods and preventive drugs, microalgae and cyanobacteria are attracting global attention. In this review, the current and future role of microalgae as natural sources of functional foods for human health and, in particular, for oral health has been reported and discussed in order to provide an overview on the state of art on microalgal effects on human oral health. It is well known that due to their richness in high-valuable products, microalgae offer good anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumoral, anti-glycemic, cholesterol-lowering, and antimicrobial activity. Moreover, the findings of the present research show that microalgae could also have a significant impact on oral health: several studies agree on the potential application of microalgae for oral cancer prevention as well as for the treatment of chronic periodontitis and different oral diseases with microbial origin. Thus, beneficial effects of microalgae could be implemented in different medical fields. Microalgae and cyanobacteria could represent a potential natural alternative to antibiotic, antiviral, or antimycotic therapies, as well as a good supplement for the prevention and co-adjuvant treatment of different oral diseases. Nevertheless, more studies are required to identify strains of interest, increase overall functioning, and make safe, effective products available for the whole population.

Medicinal management of oral submucous fibrosis in the past decade- A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a potentially malignant disorder with a high rate of malignant transformation. It is associated with chewing of areca nut and tobacco products with a high global prevalence, particularly in the southeast Asian countries. A wide range of treatment modalities are available, ranging from corticosteroids, antioxidants, nutritional supplements to herbal medicines but lacks a reliable treatment regimen.

AIM

This systematic review will comprehensively analyze the medicinal treatment for OSMF from 2011 to 2020, apprise the literature with new clinical studies, and initiate a discussion about other potential medicines.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A comprehensive electronic search was conducted in Pubmed, Scopus, and other databases from January 2011 to June 2020 according to the PRISMA guidelines, to identify all the clinical studies for the medicinal management of OSMF with definite keywords and defined criteria.

RESULTS

Among the thirty-two included clinical studies 23 were randomized controlled studies and 9 were case-control studies. The treatment outcomes were diverse, and the majority of the studies showed improvement in the subjective signs and symptoms of OSMF. Only a few studies noticed the side effects.

CONCLUSION

No single treatment modality is effective in the management of OSMF. The concurrent use of triple therapy is efficacious. The naturally occurring herbal medicines have an immense potential in the management of OSMF. Therefore, high-quality, longitudinal, multi-center randomized controlled trials with larger samples need to be conducted to further assess the efficacy of various medicinal formulations in conjunction with physiotherapy in the management of OSMF.