Curcumin for oral health: Sabinsa study supports its efficacy against gingivitis and canker sores

27 Jan 2021 --- Sabinsa’s Curcumin C3 Reduct ingredient has potential in oral care applications, according to a new clinical trial. The findings build on previous research and show beneficial outcomes for mouth and gum-related diseases.

“Discovering herbal-based treatments in conditions where no satisfactory pharma therapy is readily available continues to drive our innovation,” says Dr. Muhammed Majeed, founder and chairman of the Sami-Sabinsa Group.

“It is particularly satisfying when no side effects are seen in these trials and the treatment costs are eminently affordable.” 

Curcuminoids against mouth diseases
Tetrahydrocurcuminoids (THCs) are among the major active metabolites formed on oral curcuminoids ingestion. 

The useful pharmacological properties of THCs have prompted Sabinsa to market them as Curcumin C3 Reduct, a self-affirmed Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) ingredient entirely composed of these reductive metabolites. 

Sabinsa’s Curcumin C3 Reduct ingredient has shown beneficial outcomes for mouth and gum-related diseases.Canker sore (Recurrent Apthous Stomatitis) – the painful ulcers inside the mouth or at the base of the gums – and gingivitis – the common gum disease associated with gum bleeding – are among the common oral health care issues afflicting the population today. 

Yet treatment regimens currently available leave much room for improvement, the company says.

Eliminating canker sores and gingivitis
In the clinical trial involving 30 canker sore patients and 29 patients with gingivitis, treatment with Curcumin C3 Reduct (two 100 mg chewable tablets per day) over a three week period showed promising results. 

At the end of the study, all canker sore patients were completely cured of their painful ulcerous lesions, Sabinsa notes.

The efficacy of C3 Reduct in gingivitis was evaluated by several parameters, including gingival index score, bleeding and inflammation. 

C3 Reduct treatment led to the excellent abatement of pain, numbness, ulcer formation, dryness with no staining or allergic symptoms. 

The results are published as a peer-reviewed paper in the journal Evidenced-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 

Building on previous studies
A previously published independent clinical paper focused on the utility of C3 Reduct in oral leukoplakia, which could ultimately progress to oral cancer in certain cases. 

C3 Reduct was applied as a 2 percent gel formulation in the affected areas inside the mouth. The researchers concluded that the topically applied gel was extremely effective in alleviating clinical symptoms. 

Histological improvement was seen in a subset of patients, encouraging future long-term trials. 

Oral health spotlight
The oral health segment is focalized by industry players, with Chr. Hansen recently entering the dental health segment with a dissolvable probiotic lozenge that can help reduce acid-producing bacteria in the mouth. 

Meanwhile, a Finnish study revealed that dental caries-associated bacterium Streptococcus mutans is unable to grow on the DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences’ B Care4U 2’-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL), in contrast to on galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and lactose. 

Edited by Kristiana Lalou