BERBERINE GEL AS LOCAL DRUG DELIVERY AGENT IN CHRONIC PERIODONTITIS.

Background & objectives- It has been well established that berberine extracts has strong anti- microbial effects. So, this study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of berberine gel as local drug delivery agent for treatment of pockets in chronic periodontitis through clinical assessment. Materials & methods- A split-mouth designed study was conducted in 20 patients having bilateral mild to moderate periodontal pockets (5-7mm) clinically with radiographic evidence of bone loss. -Following clinical parameters are recorded on day 0, 7 & 21. i. Gingival Bleeding Index Ii. Probing Pocket Depth Iii. Clinical Attachment Level Test group (10 patients) ?After scaling and root planing, 1 ml of 5% berberine gel placed into the selected sites on day 0,day 7 & day 14.Control group (10 patients) - Scaling and root planingonly. Results:- There was a statistically significant difference in the gingival bleeding index on both intra-group & inter-group comparisons on day 21 .Periodontal pocket depth reduction was significant in intra-group comparison but inter-group comparisons was not significant. The changes of clinical attachment level was not significant in both intra-group & inter-group comparisons. Conclusion:- The use of 5% berberine gel resulted in more clinical improvements when compared to control group, but it was not considered as a significant benefit. It may be possible that by increasing the concentration of the berberine drug in the gel, its sustainability & its evaluation with increased sample size ,significant effects can be observed.