COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF 0.5% AZITHROMYCIN GEL AND CURCUMIN GEL AS LOCAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM IN PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH CHRONIC PERIODONTITISAS AN ADJUNCT TO SCALING AND ROOT PLANING

ABSTRACT: AIM: To evaluate efficacy of 0.5% Azithromycin gel and Curcumin gel as local drug delivery system in chronic periodontitis as an adjunct to scaling and root planning (SRP). Materials and Methods: Total of 60 patients with localised or generalised periodontitis with a pocket depth of 5-7mm were selected and they were randomized into 3 groups: Group A (SRP + 0.5% azithromycin gel), Group B (SRP + curcumin gel), and Group C (SRP only). Clinical parameters including Plaque Index (PI), Modified Sulcular Bleeding Index (mSBI), Probing Pocket Depth (PPD), and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) have been assessed at baseline, 4 and 6 weeks. Results: All groups showed significant clinical improvements over time. Both azithromycin and curcumin groups demonstrated greater reductions in PI, mSBI, and PPD compared to SRP alone (p < 0.05). Azithromycin produced superior pocket depth reduction, whereas curcumin achieved greater reduction in bleeding scores, indicating enhanced anti-inflammatory activity. Conclusion: Both 0.5% azithromycin gel and curcumin gel are effective adjuncts to SRP. Curcumin, being natural and biocompatible, represents a promising alternative to antibiotics. Keywords – Azithromycin, Local drug delivery, Scaling, Curcumin