Novel approaches involving curcumin in endodontic and periodontal diseases: a scoping review

BACKGROUND: Endodontic and periodontal diseases are common oral diseases. Traditional treatments, such as root canal disinfection and scaling, are limited by challenges such as microbial residue, tissue damage, and antibiotic resistance. Curcumin, a natural polyphenol derived from turmeric, exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and tissue regeneration properties. This scoping review aimed to integrate the research status and application prospects of curcumin in endodontic and periodontal diseases, explore the transformation of basic research into clinical application, and provide guidance for the dual challenges of infection control and tissue repair encountered by clinicians. METHODS: The scoping review was conducted according to the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews. PubMed, EBSCOhost, and SpringerLink were searched for relevant studies. English studies published after 2019 were retrieved. The included studies were manually screened, covering animal experiments, clinical trials, and in vitro experiments. Using a standardized form, two reviewers independently extracted data and resolved disagreements through discussion. The application of curcumin in root canal disinfection, filling materials, and periodontal treatment was comprehensively evaluated. RESULTS: This review included 31 studies (8 clinical studies). Curcumin, as a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy in root canal disinfection, showed superior deep bactericidal efficacy and biocompatibility; however, broader clinical application requires further clinical research. In deciduous teeth root canal filling, curcumin formulations have varied therapeutic effects; thus, comparative studies are required to facilitate translation from experimental findings to clinical practice. As periodontal treatment, curcumin demonstrated excellent bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, and tissue repair capabilities; however, more trials are needed to provide clinical evidence for validating its performance and supporting its clinical application. CONCLUSION: Preliminary studies show curcumin's potential in antibacterial activity, biocompatibility, and osteogenesis in endodontic and periodontal diseases. However, its practical effects remain inconclusive owing to data heterogeneity and methodological limitations. More clinical studies are warranted to reach definitive conclusions.