Herbal therapy in Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Short Review

Abstract

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a potentially malignant disorder causing significant mortality and
morbidity. It is a chronic insidious disease, which progressively causes reduced mouth opening, stiffness
of oral mucosa and inability to eat. Treatment of this condition is difficult as various modalities have been
used, but with its own limitations and inefficiency. Reversing the fibrosis and improving the mouth opening
remains the most challenging part of the management. In recent years, various studies have been conducted
on usage of alternative modalities for the management of OSMF. These include several herbal products like
aloevera, turmeric, spirulina, Oxitard, Tulsi, nigella sativa, turmeric with black pepper and many others.
The objective of this article is to review various herbal agents that has been used in the treatment of OSMF.