Comparison of the efficacy of placental extract gel vs. curcumin gel in the treatment of oral aphthous ulcer: a randomized clinical trial.

CONTEXT: Canker sores are among the most common oral mucosal lesions with an unclear etiology. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) causes considerable pain and discomfort, affecting quality of life. AIM: To compare the efficacy of placental extract gel (PEG) and curcumin gel in the management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A randomized clinical trial conducted in the Department of Public Health Dentistry. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Thirty participants diagnosed with RAS were randomly allocated into two groups: Group I (PEG, n = 15) and Group II (Curcumin gel, n = 15). Ulcer size and pain intensity were evaluated at baseline, day 3, and day 7 using standardized clinical measurements and a visual analog scale. Recurrence rates were assessed at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months. Acceptability of the intervention was evaluated using a structured questionnaire. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: An independent t-test, a Chi-square test, and repeated measures ANOVA were used for the analysis, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant reductions in ulcer size and pain scores by day 3 and day 7 (p < 0.05), with improvements observed in both interventions. However, the recurrence rate was higher in the curcumin group than in the other group. No adverse effects were reported in either group, although 40% of participants in the curcumin group reported an unpleasant taste. CONCLUSION: Both placental extract gel and curcumin gel were effective in reducing pain and ulcer size in recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Placental extract gel demonstrated lower recurrence rates compared with curcumin gel. No adverse effects were observed in either group; however, this study was not powered to detect differences in safety outcomes. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=CTRI/2023/11/059637, Identifier: CTRI/2023/11/059637.