Efficacy of curcumin nanoparticles administration on oral wound healing

Introduction: Oral ulcer is a break in the skin or mucous membrane with a loss of surface tissue. Oral ulcers are often very painful and compromise nutrition and oral hygiene while increasing risks of infection. Therefore, it is likely that natural compounds having antioxidant potential can ameliorate the damage by inhibiting inflammatory responses. Curcumin (CUR), has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial activities. Moreover, Curcumin nanoparticle formations (CURN) have been developed to improve the solubility of CUR to increase its pharmacological effects. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of curcumin nanoparticles in the healing of oral wounds.Materials and Methods: Thirty-six adult male rats were divided into 3 groups: Group A (control group), Group B (Oral ulcer group), and Group C (curcumin nanoparticles treated group). A biopsy punch of 4 mm was applied over the lingual mucosa in group B and C, creating a uniform circular ulcer. Afterwards, curcumin nanoparticles were applied over the ulcer in group C. After 10 days, the animals were euthanized, the lingual mucosa was dissected out and evaluated using light and scanning electron microscope.Results: Histology and scanning electron microscopy of the tongue showed alteration in the normal architecture with inflammatory cell infiltrate in the OUG group while the CuTG showed restoration of normal tongue papilla. There was a statistically significant difference between OUG and CuTG in the mean area of the ulcer. Conclusions: Curcumin nanoparticles can promote oral wound healing by restoring the normal architecture of the lingual mucosa