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Published on: August 11, 2023
Plant leads for mitigation of oral submucous fibrosis: Current scenario and future prospect
Sarita Pal1, Disha Sharma1, Narayan Prasad Yadav1
1Bioprospection and Product Development, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India.
Abstract:
The aim of this review is to enumerate medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds that may become potential leads in the mitigation of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) in the forthcoming future. It is focused on pathophysiology, risk factors, current treatment regimen, potential plant leads, and future therapies for OSMF. Data were extracted from a vast literature survey by using SciFinder, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed search engines with relevant keywords. Upon literature survey, we found that the phytochemical 'arecoline' present in the areca nut is the main causative agent of OSMF condition. Currently, OSMF is treated by immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory agents such as corticosteroids, enzymes (hyaluronidase, chymotrypsin, and collagenase), anti-inflammatory mediators (isoxsuprine and pentoxifylline), dietary supplements (vitamins, antioxidants, and micronutrients), and anti-fibrotic cytokines like interferon-gamma that provides short-term symptomatic relief to OSMF patients. However, some plant leads have been proven effective in alleviating symptoms and mitigating OSMF, which ultimately improves the quality of OSMF patients' life. We concluded that plant drugs like lycopene, curcumin, Aloe vera, colchicine, and Glycyrrhiza glabra are effective against OSMF in various in vitro and/or clinical studies and are being used by modern and traditional practitioners.
Insights
This review identifies medicinal plants and compounds that show promise for treating oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). Future research should focus on these natural agents for effective OSMF mitigation.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products
- Oral Medicine
Background:
- Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, potentially malignant condition linked to areca nut use.
- Current treatments offer symptomatic relief but lack definitive long-term efficacy.
- Understanding OSMF pathophysiology and risk factors is crucial for developing new therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review medicinal plants and bioactive compounds with potential for OSMF mitigation.
- To explore current treatment strategies and future therapeutic avenues for OSMF.
- To identify natural agents that can alleviate OSMF symptoms and improve patient quality of life.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature survey using SciFinder, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed.
- Keyword-based search for studies on OSMF, medicinal plants, and bioactive compounds.
- Analysis of extracted data focusing on pathophysiology, risk factors, treatments, and plant-based interventions.
Main Results:
- Arecoline from areca nut is identified as a primary etiological factor in OSMF.
- Current treatments include corticosteroids, enzymes, anti-inflammatory agents, and supplements, providing short-term relief.
- Several plant-derived compounds like lycopene, curcumin, Aloe vera, colchicine, and Glycyrrhiza glabra show efficacy against OSMF in preclinical and clinical studies.
Conclusions:
- Medicinal plants offer promising therapeutic leads for oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) management.
- Natural compounds like lycopene and curcumin demonstrate significant potential in mitigating OSMF.
- Further research into these plant-based therapies could lead to improved treatments for OSMF patients.
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