Evaluation of Efficacy of Bee Pollen in the Treatment of Oral Submucous Fibrosis Patients: A Randomized Clinical Drug Trial

Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a rampant premalignant condition, and consumption of 'areca nut' has significant evidence in its etiology. Antioxidant supplementation provides the basis of chemoprevention, and therefore, nutraceutical products have taken an important position in the management of OSMF. Objectives: Evaluation of the efficacy of bee pollen in the management of OSMF. Method: This was a single-blinded randomized controlled drug trial. There were two groups: group A/study group was administered with bee pollen capsules, and Group B/control group was given lycopene group. Along with this, both the groups were administered multi-vitamin tablets. Both the groups were further divided into three sub-groups of OSMF. All patients were evaluated for 3 months in every 15 days for burning sensation, cheek flexibility, tongue protrusion, mouth opening, blanching, and fibrous bands. Results: A statistically significant increase in cheek flexibility, tongue protrusion, and mouth opening and improvement in burning were seen in all three grades of OSMF in both groups. Conclusion: The administration of bee pollen is safe and can be accounted as an adjuvant in patients with OSMF.