Comparative Evaluation of Subgingivally Delivered 2% Curcumin and 0.2% Chlorhexidine Gel Adjunctive to Scaling and Root Planing in Chronic Periodontitis

AIM: This study aimed to compare the effects of subgingival delivery of 2% curcumin gel and 0.2% chlorhexidine gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) on clinical and microbiological parameters in the management of patients with chronic periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 25 systemically healthy individuals with age group ≥30 years diagnosed with chronic periodontitis were included in the study. The study was a double-blind split-mouth randomized control clinical trial. Two sites were selected in each patient and were randomly allocated to experimental and control sites. At baseline, measurements of site-specific periodontal parameters and collection of subgingival plaque sample were done. After full-mouth SRP, subgingival delivery of 2% curcumin gel in experimental sites and 0.2% chlorhexidine gel in control sites was done. At 1 and 3 months, subgingival plaque samples were collected again and site-specific periodontal parameters were measured. RESULTS: The experimental group (2% curcumin gel) showed statistically significant improvements in periodontal [i.e., sulcus bleeding index (SBI), probing pocket depth (PPD), and relative attachment level (RAL)] and microbiologic parameters in the form of colony-forming units (CFUs) in comparison with control group (0.2% chlorhexidine gel). CONCLUSION: Subgingival delivery of curcumin has shown effective anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Since it is biologically accepted by the patients and its delivery in periodontal pockets can be recommended as an adjunct to SRP therapy for the treatment of patients with localized, moderate chronic periodontitis and in patients under the periodontal maintenance phase. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Curcumin being a herbal agent may be excellent alternative to chlorhexidine. It is biologically accepted by the patients and can be recommended as an adjunct to SRP in the treatment of localized moderate chronic periodontitis and periodontal maintenance patients.