Comparative Evaluation of a Locally Administered Plant-Derived Chip and Doxycycline Gel as Adjuncts to Scaling and Root Planning in the Treatment of Periodontitis

Abstract

The study aimed to compare clinical efficacy of a locally administered plant-derived biodegradable chip and doxycycline gel when used as adjunct to SRP in patients with periodontitis. Participants diagnosed with periodontitis were randomly allocated to two treatment groups. Group I received SRP followed by placement of a plant-derived biodegradable chip (Ocimum sanctum), whereas Group II received SRP followed by locally administered doxycycline gel. PI, GI, PPD, CAL assessed at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. Both treatment groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in PI, GI, PPD, and CAL over the 3-month follow-up period (P < 0.05). Mean PPD in the plant-derived chip group decreased from 4.19 ± 0.83 mm at baseline to 2.63 ± 0.62 mm at 1 month and 2.00 ± 0.00 mm at 3 months. In the doxycycline group, mean PPD reduced from 4.44 ± 0.51 mm to 3.13 ± 0.72 mm and 2.13 ± 0.34 mm, respectively. Mean CAL in the plant-derived chip group decreased from 4.31 ± 0.60 mm at baseline to 2.56 ± 0.63 mm at 1 month and 1.81 ± 0.40 mm at 3 months, whereas the corresponding values in the doxycycline group were 4.50 ± 0.52 mm, 3.00 ± 0.52 mm, and 1.94 ± 0.44 mm. No statistically significant intergroup differences were observed for PI, GI, PPD, or CAL at any assessment point (P > 0.05). Both local drug delivery modalities, when used as adjuncts to SRP, were associated with significant clinical improvement over 3 months. The plant-derived chip therefore demonstrated clinical outcomes comparable to those of locally administered doxycycline gel.