Systemic Lycopene as an adjunct to Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy in Generalized Chronic Periodontitis

Aim: To evaluate the potency of systemic anti-oxidants in the non-surgical treatment of generalised chronic periodontitis. Objective: Purpose of this short term clinical study is to ascertain whether or not daily systemic supplementation of antioxidants adjunctively used after scaling and root planing (SRP) would improve clinical condition in generalised chronic periodontitis using C-reactive protein (CRP) as inflammatory markers and chronic periodontitis treatment index needs (CPTIN Index) to evaluate reduction in periodontal pockets. Results: Each group involved 10 participants with age group 30-65 years. The test group was provided with treatment with 20 mg Lycopene once daily after 24 hours of completion of scaling and root planing. The CRP value at baseline ranged from 3- 6.2 with a mean value of 4.87 +/- 1.09. After one month of treatment, the CRP value ranges between 1.1- 4.8 with a mean value of 3.10 +/- 1.05. This clearly indicates a significant decrease in CRP with t value 10.83 and >0.00 p value. The CRP value of control group at baseline ranged from 3-5.9 with a mean value of 4.58 +/- 1.08. After one month of treatment with scaling and root planing, the CRP value ranges to 2.2- 5.4 with a mean value of 3.96 +/- 1.08. This clearly indicates a significant decrease in CRP with t value 13.29 and > 0.00 p value. Conclusion: Lycopene as an antioxidant is a promising treatment modality as an adjunct to full mouth scaling. It helps to modulate oxidative stress in periodontium during periodontitis. It also leads to maintenance of periodontal health.