Breaking the Stiffness: Clinical Recovery in OSMF Through Ayurvedic Treatment

Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, progressive condition marked by juxta-epithelial inflammation, fibro-elastic changes, epithelial atrophy, trismus, and recurrent glossitis. Widely prevalent in India and Southeast Asia, OSMF was first described in the 1950s and continues to rise due to the common habit of betel nut and gutkha chewing. Arecoline- an alkaloid in areca nut- remains the principal etiological factor. Clinically, patients present with a burning sensation, ulceration, progressive reduction in mouth opening, xerostomia, and characteristic submucosal fibrosis. Studies report a 6.3% prevalence, with gutkha chewing as the most common associated habit. In Ayurveda, OSMF closely resembles Sarvasara Mukharoga, predominantly Vata-Pitta in nature. Chronic irritation from betel nut, tobacco, lime, or chilies vitiates Doshas and damages oral tissues. Management therefore requires both local and systemic interventions. Ayurvedic treatment emphasizes Pitta-shamaka yogas, along with Gandūsha (oil pulling), Nasya (nasal therapy), and Pratisaraṇa (local rubbing) to restore mucosal health, reduce fibrosis, and improve mouth opening. Aim: To evaluate the effect of proposed Ayurvedic treatment protocol in the patients of OSMF. Material and Methods: A 42-year-old male patient visited the ENT outpatient department at the Shalakya Tantra unit of Mansarovar Ayurvedic Medical College Hospital and Research Centre in Bhopal (M.P.). Result: Ayurvedic treatment protocol is effective in the management of OSMF.