EFFICACY AND SAFETY ASSESSMENT OF OXITARD, A HERBAL ANTIOXIDANT IN ORAL SUBMUCOUS FIBROSIS - AN OBSERVATIONAL CLINICAL STUDY

Objectives: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a potentially malignant condition characterized by inflammation, formation of fibrotic bands due to collagen deposition which limit mouth opening. Till date no definitive therapy is available for the management of OSMF. This study was carried out to determine the safety and efficacy of oxitard in the treatment of OSMF. Methods : 60 subjects with clinically and histopathologically diagnosed OSMF were included in the study. Capsule Oxitard was administered to all p atients at a dose of 2 capsules twice daily for a period of 3 months. During every clinical visit the mouth opening was measured and symptoms associated with the lesions were graded on VAS. Results were analysed using ANOVA and student t test. Results : Cl inical improvement in mouth opening and symptoms of burning sensation as measured by the VAS scale following oxitard therapy was significant. Conclusion : Oxitard proves to be relatively safe, noninvasive and efficacious in bringing about significant clini cal improvement in symptoms like mouth opening, reduction in burning sensation in patients with oral submucous fibrosis.