“There are two recent clinical studies evaluating the comparative efficacy of topical application of a turmeric gel and a Chlorhexidine (CHX) gel. In one study, a comparative reduction of plaque and gingivitis was seen with both a turmeric gel and a CHX gel. The turmeric gel showed a better acceptance due to its pleasant odor and absence of teeth staining compared to the CHX gel which was reported to have a bitter taste and teeth staining. Another clinical study also showed a 0.1% curcumin mouthwash to have comparable antiplaque and anti-gingivitis efficacy to a 0.2% Chlorhexidine mouthwash. Curcumin, CHX, and placebo mouthwashes were used by subjects with moderate to severe gingivitis for 28 days. Plaque, gingival, and sulcus bleeding indices were recorded at days 0, 7, 14, and 28. It was seen that the CHX and curcumin mouthwashes had a similar mean relative reduction of the plaque, gingival, and sulcus bleeding indices

A recent study in rats provided new evidence about the inhibitory effect of curcumin on inflammatory activity. Curcumin inhibited IL-1β and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated rat gingival fibroblasts. It inhibited activation of NF-KB and the LPS-induced decrease in the osteoprotegerin (OPG)/soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (sRANK) ratio which is a crucial determinant of alveolar bone absorption and metabolism, thus regulating the inflammatory activity in rat periodontitis. It significantly reduced gingival inflammation, collagen fiber destruction and alveolar bone loss in vivo. “