Topical Curcumin May Reduce Candida in Denture Stomatitis: Study
Researchers have found that topical curcumin may help reduce Candida albicans infection and inflammation in patients with denture stomatitis. The study published in Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery evaluated curcumin’s therapeutic effects when applied directly to the oral mucosa and denture surfaces. Patients with denture-related inflammation showed marked improvement in redness, soreness, and other clinical signs after topical application. The findings highlight curcumin’s dual anti-inflammatory and antifungal actions, suggesting it could serve as a natural, well-tolerated alternative to conventional antifungal medications.
The research team observed that topical curcumin treatment helped lower the number of Candida colonies while easing local irritation, without the adverse effects often associated with synthetic drugs. Its efficacy is linked to curcumin’s ability to disrupt fungal cell membranes and reduce oxidative stress, which together inhibit microbial growth and tissue inflammation. Although the authors noted that larger and longer-term clinical studies are still needed, these early results show meaningful promise for using curcumin as an adjunctive or standalone treatment for oral fungal infections, especially in older adults who wear dentures.
Overall, this study adds to growing evidence supporting curcumin’s therapeutic role in oral health management. The authors emphasize that a standardized topical formulation and optimized delivery method could make curcumin a practical option for routine dental care. Beyond its antifungal benefits, curcumin may also promote mucosal healing and improve comfort for denture users. With further validation, this plant-based compound could offer a safe, accessible, and affordable approach to managing denture stomatitis and other oral inflammatory conditions.
Keywords: curcumin, denture stomatitis, Candida albicans, topical therapy, antifungal, oral inflammation, drug delivery, Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery, Shahed Kuraitby
