Evaluation of Toothpaste Containing Aqueous Saffron Stigma Extract on Gingival Indices in Patients with Marginal Generalized Plaque-Induced Gingivitis

BACKGROUND: Gingivitis is an inflammatory disease involving the gums. Saffron contains various forms of flavonoids, glycosides, and anthocyanin compounds that are proven to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This study evaluates the anti-inflammatory effects of Saffron stigma on gingival indices in patients with marginal generalized plaque-induced gingivitis. METHODS: For this study, we used toothpaste containing aqueous extract of Saffron stigma. Twenty-two patients with generalized marginal gingivitis were selected. Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups of test and placebo. In each group the pocket depth index (PD), gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI) and bleeding of probing index (BOP) were measured before and one month after use. Independent t-test, Mann–Whitney test and Wilcoxon test were used for statistical analysis (P<0.05). RESULTS: The comparison between gingival indices before and one month after toothpaste usage showed a significant decrease in some measured indices at the end of the study. Saffron stigma treated group had a significant difference in reducing GI and BOP indices in comparison with the placebo group (P<0.05). However, the difference for PD and PI indices was not statistically significant (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, it was found that using aqueous extract of Saffron stigma flower containing toothpaste might have a positive effect on some gingival indices in patients with gingivitis.