Awareness on the wound healing effects of curcumin therapy among dental students

Abstract

Turmeric also known as Curcuma longa is a rhizome used commonly in traditional medicines for decades to treat a number of inflammatory disorders and other ailments. Its therapeutic properties were primarily attributable to curcuminoids. The purpose of the study was for assessment of awareness of Curcumin's wound healing effects amongst dental students. A cross sectional study was done with a self-administered questionnaire comprising of 10 questions circulated among 100 dental students. The questionnaire assessed the awareness about wound healing effects Curcumin therapy, their effect on collagen expression, the effect on neovascularization, effect on reepithelization and effect on free radical scavenging. The responses were recorded and analysed.78% of the respondents were not aware of the wound healing effects of curcumin therapy. 84% were not aware of the effect of curcumin in collagen expression. 88% were not aware of the effect of curcumin on neovascularization. 80% were not aware of the effect of curcumin on reepithelization. 94% were not aware of the effect of curcumin on free radical scavenging. The awareness about the use of Curcumin therapy in wound healing applications is very less among dental students. Increased awareness programs and sensitization and continuing dental education programs along with greater importance to the curricular modifications should be incorporated to improve the awareness levels.