A Road to Cost Efficiency and Sustainability Using Alternative Topical Natural Medicaments in The Management of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Since the historical era, natural herbs and extracts have been utilized against many illnesses. Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are an assemblage of painful symptoms credited as the second most common musculoskeletal chronic pain disorder requiring long-term treatment. Thus, an effective sustainable cost-efficient protocol for maintenance therapy of herbal origin is the mandate of the hour. Objective: The objective is to evaluate the efficacy of medications of herbal origin in the management of TMD. Methods: Of the randomized controlled trials published, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines to quantify the efficacy of alternative topical medicaments in the TMD pain management. MEDLINE, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were systematically searched to September 9, 2024. Results: Seven articles conforming to the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected. The data were segregated, and Forest plot was derived. It was determined the efficacy of herbal origin medicaments is as effective as the standard topical analgesics in pain management. The costs of the treatments were estimated and found to be an economic sustainable option for the future. Conclusion: Topical medicaments of natural/herbal origin are as effective as conventional therapies in TMD pain control. Their ease on the patient pocket and the ability to contribute to economy building sustainably is an incentive for further development in this area of limited exploration and innovation. Registration: This systematic review and metanalysis is registered with PROSPERO.