Comparative Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Smooth Muscle Relaxants and Lycopene in the Management of Oral Submucous Fibrosis Patients

Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, potentially malignant disorder linked to areca nut chewing, characterized by progressive fibrosis, restricted mouth opening, and impaired oral functions. Standard therapies such as corticosteroids and antioxidants yield variable outcomes. Objective: To compare the efficacy of smooth muscle relaxants (chlorzoxazone) and lycopene, in combination with intralesional corticosteroids, on clinical outcomes in OSMF patients. Methods: Forty patients with clinically diagnosed OSMF were randomly divided into two groups. Group A received intralesional triamcinolone acetonide with lycopene, and Group B received intralesional triamcinolone acetonide with chlorzoxazone. Mouth opening, burning sensation, and tongue protrusion were recorded at baseline and at 15-day intervals for 90 days. Data were analyzed using the independent t -test and Chi-square test. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements. Group B demonstrated a greater increase in mouth opening (19.21–32.34 mm, P < 0.05), while reductions in burning sensation and improvements in tongue protrusion were comparable between the groups ( P > 0.05). Conclusion: Smooth muscle relaxants, as an adjunct to corticosteroid therapy, provide superior improvement in mouth opening and represent a valuable addition to OSMF management.