Assessing the Efficacy of Garlic Pearls Combined with Lycopene Capsules on Mouth Opening in Oral Submucous Fibrosis Patients

Sep 30, 2026

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a debilitating premalignant condition marked by reduced mouth opening and oral burning, common in India and the South Asian subcontinent. An interventional study evaluated whether combining lycopene capsules with garlic pearls improves interincisal mouth opening in clinically diagnosed OSMF patients. Baseline and follow-up measurements showed statistically significant improvements across the 45-day period, with increasing gains from Day 1–15, 15–30, and 30–45. The results support the antioxidant-based combination as an effective therapeutic option for OSMF.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

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Abstract

Introduction

Study Design

Results

Conclusion

Original Article Assessing the Efficacy of Garlic Pearls Combined with Lycopene Capsules on Mouth Opening in Oral Submucous Fibrosis Patients Ishmita Jain1, Vikas Singh1, Ankita Jain1, Sukanya Das2, Anirban Das3, Christopher Vinay Shinde3, Agamoni Chowdhury4 1Department of Public Health Dentistry, Teerthanker Mahaveer Dental College and Research Centre, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, 2Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Government Dental College, Dibrugarh, Assam, India, 3Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, People’s Dental Academy, People’s University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, 4Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, RKDF Dental College and Research Centre, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India Submitted: 08‑Jul‑2025 Revised: 17‑Jul‑2025 Accepted: 08‑Aug‑2025 Published: 17‑Dec‑2025 Abstract Background and Aim: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a debilitating premalignant condition affecting individuals across all age groups and both sexes. It is particularly prevalent in India and the South Asian subcontinent. Common clinical symptoms include reduced mouth opening and a burning sensation in the oral cavity. Materials and Methods: Study Design: Interventional Study Setting and Sample: This study was conducted at the outpatient department (OPD) of dental clinics and included patients clinically diagnosed with OSMF. A divider and scale were used to measure interincisal mouth opening at baseline and during follow‑up intervals. Results: Intragroup comparisons revealed a statistically significant improvement in mouth opening over the 45‑day treatment period. Improvement from Day 1 to Day 15 was significant (P = 0.002), with continued progress from Day 15 to Day 30 (P = 0.003), and from Day 30 to Day 45 (P = 0.011) . These findings suggest that the combination of lycopene and garlic was effective in enhancing mouth opening in OSMF patients over time. Conclusion: The study demonstrated a significant improvement in mouth opening among OSMF patients treated with a 45‑day regimen of lycopene capsules and garlic pearls. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of this antioxidant-based combination in the management of OSMF. Keywords: Antioxidant, garlic pearls, lycopene capsules, mouth opening, OSMF, premalignancy Introduction Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a debilitating, chronic, and progressive premalignant condition that affects individuals across all age groups and both sexes. It is highly prevalent in India and other South Asian countries.[1] The condition is primarily associated with areca nut chewing, but other contributing factors include excessive chili intake, deficiencies in vitamin B complex and iron, genetic susceptibility, collagen‑related metabolic disorders, and autoimmune mechanisms.[2,3] Clinically, the most common symptoms include a burning sensation in the oral mucosa and progressive trismus, with restricted mouth opening resulting from subepithelial fibrosis of the buccal mucosa and surrounding tissues.[4] This fibrotic change significantly impairs the patient’s quality of life by affecting speech, mastication, and overall oral hygiene. | Access this article online | | | --- | --- | | Quick Response Code:
| Website: [https://journals.lww.com/jpbs](https://journals.lww.com/jpbs) | | | DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_1192_25 | Lycopene, a natural carotenoid with strong antioxidant properties, is frequently employed as a first-line therapeutic agent in OSMF management. It scavenges free radicals and reduces oxidative damage, thereby alleviating symptoms and improving mouth opening.[5] Garlic (allium sativum), long used in traditional medicine systems of India, China, and Egypt, also shows potential therapeutic benefits for OSMF. It possesses antimicrobial, antifungal, antithrombotic, antipyretic, and analgesic properties, which have been validated by modern scientific research.[6,7] The bioactive compounds in garlic, such as allicin and sulfur‑containing

FAQs

What is the main objective of the study?

To assess the efficacy of garlic pearls combined with lycopene capsules in improving mouth opening in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) patients.

How was mouth opening measured during the study?

Interincisal mouth opening was measured at baseline and during follow-up intervals using a divider and scale.

What were the key findings over the 45-day treatment period?

Intragroup comparisons showed statistically significant improvement in mouth opening over 45 days, with significant progress from Day 1–15, continuing from Day 15–30 and Day 30–45.

Sep 30, 2026

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