Composition:

Mucofibro is a formulation of antioxidants available in the form of softgel capsules.
Each soft gelatin capsule contains
Lycopene – 5 mg,
Beta-carotene – 10 mg,
Alpha lipoic acid 50 mg,
Elemental copper – 1 mg,
Elemental selenium – 75 mcg,
Vitamin E – 10 IU and
Zinc sulphate – 27.45 mg.

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) —Free radicals

ROS are chemical molecules, specifically oxygen species formed by the partial reduction of oxygen that are generated during mitochondrial oxidative metabolism as well as in cellular response to cytokines and bacterial invasion.

The double-edged sword

ROS serve as crucial players in our body’s defense against invading pathogens. ROS play pivotal roles in cell signaling, gene regulation, and antimicrobial defense. These molecules have antimicrobial properties that help combat infections in the oral cavity. However, ROS can be a “double-edged sword” since an excessive presence of these molecules can become cytotoxic to our cells.

The concept of Oxidative Stress:

To counteract the deleterious effects of excessive free radicals, our bodies possess an antioxidant defense system that can inhibit and reduce the damage caused by the harmful ROS. However, when ROS levels exceed cellular antioxidant capacity, a condition termed oxidative stress occurs. Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of several conditions including aging, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cancer.

Antioxidants:

These are oxidative stress busters used as auxiliary treatments in a variety of conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary diseases, aging, and atherosclerosis.

Mucofibro: Antioxidant supplemements

With an optimal combination of anti-oxidants, carotenoids, and minerals, Mucofibro detoxifies the cells by scavenging the cell-damaging free radicals. This cell detoxification removes oxidative stress in the cells and enhances the overall tissue healing capacity, which results in faster healing of various oral lesions and conditions. It also improves the clinical outcomes of various non-surgical and surgical treatments.

Indications

1. Precancerous lesions: Leukoplakia, Erythroplakia (to prevent/ slow down the malignant transformation)
2. Precancerous conditions: Oral Submucous Fibrosis (to prevent/ slow down the malignant transformation)
3. As an adjunct to non-surgical & surgical periodontal treatments for various gum diseases: Gingivitis and Periodontitis
4. As an adjunct to implant treatments to improve osseointegration.
5. As an adjunct to bone regeneration & tissue engineering procedures.
6. In various oral surgical procedures for improved healing.
7. For improved healing of oral ulcers

A. The role of antioxidants in periodontal health

The link between oxidative stress and periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is a persistent inflammatory condition that impacts the  periodontal tissues. Emerging research has elucidated the connection between oxidative stress and periodontal disease. An article in a high-impact factor journal terms periodontitis as an inflammatory disease of oxidative stress.
In the early stages of periodontal disease, especially in the case of periodontitis, a prominent oxidative process unfolds, characterized by elevated levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS). Evidence says that much of the damage done to periodontal tissues and supporting bone structure is due to ROS emission.

Promising results

Recent evidence supports the idea that antioxidants can play a pivotal role in the treatment of periodontitis. A meta-analysis comprising fifteen clinical trials demonstrated uniformly positive outcomes associated with antioxidant supplementation during periodontitis treatment. Lycopene is emerging as a promising treatment modality as an adjunct to full-mouth periodontal treatment.
These findings offer hope and promise for those seeking alternative therapies to complement traditional periodontal treatments.

B. The role of antioxidants in implantology

1. Antioxidants like lycopene exert proliferative effects on human osteoblasts.
2. Antioxidants like lycopene may increase new bone formation in periodontal and dental implant treatments.
3. Lycopene improves implant osseointegration and prevents delayed osseointegration.
4. Antioxidants also help in bone formation and prevent bone loss under osteopenic conditions.

C. Antioxidants in pre-cancerous conditions like Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF)

Mucofibro improves mouth opening and prevents the malignant transformation of OSMF (and other precancerous lesions/ conditions).
1. Lycopene, a carotenoid derived from plants, demonstrates anti-carcinogenic properties and prevents the malignant transformation of precancerous lesions and conditions. Lycopene exhibits the highest physical quenching rate constant with singlet oxygen. Lycopene is the first line of treatment for OSMF, apart from demonstrating profound benefits with precancerous lesions such as leukoplakia.
2. β-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, is an antioxidant that traps free radicals. It retards the development of cancer cells by minimizing the free radical-induced damage.
3. α-Lipoic Acid (LA) is known as a universal antioxidant as it can remove free radicals in water as well as lipid medium.
4. α-Tocopherol (Vitamin E) has the antioxidant action.
5. Selenium (Se) is an anticarcinogenic agent that prevents unwanted cell growth.
6. Zinc (Zn), essential for multiple cellular functions, acts as an antioxidant andstabilizes membranes.
7. Copper (Cu) enhances the activity of antioxidants.

Dose

2 times a day for 30 days or as directed by the doctor

Presentation

2 x 10 softgels