Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine - Department of Periodontology

Aim: The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to test the ability of orally administered Thymoquinone to inhibit OPMDs {u2015}oral leukoplakia{u2016} progression into frank malignancy through modulation of molecular cancer biomarkers in patients with potentially malignant oral leukoplakia. Methodology: 48 patients with oral leukoplakia were randomly allocated to three groups; Nigella sativa 10mg, Nigella sativa 5mg and placebo groups. The treatment was administered in the form of a buccal tablet for three months. The outcomes assessed were clinical improvement, medication satisfaction and molecular biomarkers ki67 and caspase3. Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in lesion size in both the Nigella sativa groups in comparison to the placebo group. There was a statistically significant decrease ki-67 size in both the Nigella sativa groups in comparison to the placebo group. There was a statistically significant increase in caspase-3 in both the Nigella sativa groups in comparison to the placebo group Conclusion: Thymoquinone in Nigella Sativa is a promising chemopreventive agent that can be used in management of potentially malignant disorders

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