Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of locally delivered 0.1% curcumin irrigation, meswak irrigation and 0.2% CHX irrigation in management Chronic periodontitis patients

Introduction: Ayurvedic medicines like turmeric possess anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-microbial properties. This study was carried out using the purest form of turmeric and meswak to test their anti-plaque and anti-inflammatory properties in the form of a sub gingival irrigation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of locally delivered curcumin irrigation and meswak irrigation as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Materials and Method: Study group consisted of patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis, aged between 21-45 years. 30 sites with pocket depth >5mm were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups. Group A: Test group received 0.1% curcumin (CU) irrigation along with scaling and root planing. Group B: Test group received meswak (HIORA) irrigation along with scaling and root planing. Group C: Control group received scaling and root planing along with 0.2% chlorhexidine(CHX) irrigation as positive control. Clinical parameters: Plaque index, bleeding index, probing pocket depth and relative attachment level were measured for each patient at baseline and 21 days. Plaque samples were taken at baseline and 21 days interval and total colony count was done. Results: All the groups showed significant improvement in all clinical parameters from baseline to 21 days. There was statistically significant improvement in gingival index in Group A as compared to other groups. However, intergroup differences in other clinical parameters were not significant. The percentage reduction in microbial load at the 21 days was highest in chlorhexidine group.