Role of Mustard Seed Extract Based Hydrogel as an Adjunct to Non-surgical Periodontal Therapy in Chronic Periodontitis Patients: A Pilot Interventional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to the destruction of both the hard and soft tissues of the periodontium. Various herbal extracts can be used as a Local Drug Delivery (LDD) agent to suppress the inflammation caused by micro-organisms. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of a hydrogel based on mustard seed extract as an adjunct to Non-surgical Periodontal Therapy (NSPT) for the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Materials and Methods: This pilot interventional study was conducted at Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai between June 2023 and July 2023. The study included a total of 30 participants diagnosed with chronic periodontitis who were divided into two groups: group A (n=15) received only Scaling and Root Planing (SRP), while group B (n=15) received SRP along with 0.5% mustard seed extract hydrogel. Baseline and two-week post-operative assessments included recording of Gingival Index (GI), Plaque Index (PI), and modified Sulcus Bleeding Index (mSBI). The data was analysed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), software version 23.0 for windows. An independent t-test was conducted to assess significance between the two groups, while the comparison of baseline and post-operative variables within each group was done using a paired t-test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of study participants was 38.04±8.12 years in group A and 40.36±7.45 years in group B. The group treated with 0.5% hydrogel based on mustard seed extract exhibited a noteworthy enhancement in PI (p<0.05*). Intra-group comparisons revealed a significant difference in baseline and 2-week post-operative values for all parameters except mSBI in group A, although group B showed a significant difference for all the parameters (p<0.05*). Inter-group comparisons at two weeks showed statistically significant improvement in group B for PI but not for GI and mSBI. Conclusion: The supplemental application of 0.5% hydrogel derived from mustard seed extract alongside SRP yielded promising outcomes, suggesting a novel approach in the management of chronic periodontitis.