Efficacy of alpha lipoic acid in adjunct with intralesional steroids and hyaluronidase in the management of oral submucous fibrosis

Background and Objectives: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic irreversible condition of the oral mucosa with proven malignant potential. However, till date, there has been a dearth of effective management strategies. This study used alpha lipoic acid, an antioxidant, in oral form to determine if it could be useful in managing OSF patients. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted on 18 patients of OSF (9 cases and 9 controls). The case group was treated using alpha lipoic acid in addition to the intralesional steroid and hyaluronidase injections used in the control group. Results: The cases in the alpha lipoic acid group exhibited better relief of symptoms such as burning sensation of the mucosa and mouth opening, as compared to the controls. The use of alpha lipoic acid along with intralesional steroids and hyaluronidase caused reversal of higher clinical stages to lower ones. Conclusion: The use of an antioxidant, alpha lipoic acid, along with conventional therapy of intralesional steroid injections definitely seems to have a beneficial impact in the management of OSF.