Effect of arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing on salivary antioxidant levels in chronic periodontitis subjects - A randomized, double-blind, clinico-biochemical trial

Purpose: Oxidative stress plays a causative role in pathogenesis of periodontal disease. It has been reported that Spirulina platensis or its active ingredient C phycocyanin (CPC) exerts anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and inhibitory effects on prostaglandin and leukotriene biosynthesis. So aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary spirulina as an adjunct to SRP on salivary antioxidants level in CP subjects. Materials and Methods: The study was a randomized double-blind clinical and biochemical trial in which 70 subjects with CP in the age group of 30-55 years, reporting to Department of Periodontology, TKDC and RC, New Pargaon, were equally and randomly divided into Test Group (TG) and Control Group (CG). TG was given 2 gm Spirulina capsules daily, after meals for 1 month and CG was not given any supplementary diet. SRP was done at baseline in TG and CG. Whole saliva sample was collected. Clinical and biochemical parameters (SOD & MDA) will be recorded at baseline, 1 month & 3 months. Result: Reductions in clinical & biochemical parameters were statistically highly significant in TG compared to CG after 1month (P<0.05**). Reduction in clinical & biochemical parameters were clinically significant but statistically non significant in TG group Compared to CG after 3month. Conclusion: Spirulina appears to be promising. It exerts strong anti-inflammatory effects which are closely connected with its antioxidative activity. This study can have a significant impact on the treatment procedures of periodontitis, with the use of blue green algae in the future.