Curcumin is effective in managing oral inflammation: An in vitro study

Abstract Background Oral inflammation is among the most prevalent oral pathologies with systemic health implications, necessitating safe and effective treatments. Given curcumin's documented anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties, this study focuses on the potential of a curcumin‐based oral gel in safely managing oral inflammatory conditions. Methods This in vitro study utilized four human cell lines: oral keratinocytes (HOKs), immortalized oral keratinocytes (OKF6), periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPdLF), and dysplastic oral keratinocytes (DOKs). The cells were treated with Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and curcumin‐based oral gel to simulate inflammatory conditions. A panel of cellular assays were performed along with antimicrobial efficacy tests targeting Candida albicans , Streptococcus mutans , and Porphyromonas gingivalis . Results LPS significantly reduced proliferation and wound healing capacities of HOKs, OKF6, and HPdLF, but not DOKs. Treatment with curcumin‐based oral gel mitigated inflammatory responses in HOKs and HPdLF by enhancing proliferation, colony formation, and wound healing, along with reducing apoptosis. However, its impact on OKF6 and DOKs was limited in some assays. Curcumin treatment did not affect the invasive capabilities of any cell line but did modulate cell adhesion in a cell line‐specific manner. The curcumin‐based oral gel showed significant antimicrobial efficacy against C. albicans and S. mutans , but was ineffective against P. gingivalis. Conclusion This study demonstrates the potential of the curcumin‐based oral gel as a safe and effective alternative to conventional antimicrobial treatments for managing cases of oral inflammation. This was achieved by modulating cellular responses under simulated inflammatory conditions. Future clinical‐based studies are recommended to exploit curcumin's therapeutic benefits in oral healthcare.