EFFECT OF ASPARAGUS CURILLUS ON LEVELS OF MATRIX METALLO PROTEINASES IN GCF AND SALIVA OF PERIODONTAL PATIENTS

This study was planned to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of roots of Asparagus curillus in periodontal inflammation via assessing gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and salivary inflammatory markers namely MMP-8, -9, 13, TIMP-1 and IL-6. Samples of GCF and saliva were obtained from patients with chronic periodontitis (n = 98) and healthy controls (n = 27). Study population (n = 98) was divided into two groups – Group A: patients with periodontitis receiving only conservative periodontal treatment and Group B: patients with periodontitis receiving both the conservative periodontal treatment and Ayurvedic therapy in combination. Concentrations of periodontal inflammatory markers i.e. MMP-8, -9,-13, TIMP-1 and IL-6 were estimated by Enzyme linked immuno absorbent assay and were analysed at two different time intervals i.e. at baseline and 3 months after therapy. There was statistically significant decrease in the concentrations of MMP-8, -9, -13 in GCF and saliva in both the groups at 3 months after therapy. (p < 0.05) However, there was found a statistically significant lower concentration of the markers in Group B subjects than in Group A subjects at three months after therapy (p < 0.05). This data indicate that Asparagus curillus may show a promise as an anti- inflammatory drug and combined use of this plant with conservative periodontal therapy is more effective treatment for chronic periodontitis.