NCT07325825

Licorice Extract Gel Versus Diode Laser for Physiologic Gingival Pigmentation

A Comparative Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Topical Licorice Extract Gel and Diode Laser 445 nm on Physiologic Gingival Pigmentation

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 26 (actual)
• Sponsor: Alexandria University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 50 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of topical licorice extract gel and diode laser (445 nm) in the treatment of physiologic gingival pigmentation. Twenty-four adult patients presenting with physiologic melanin pigmentation in the anterior esthetic zone of the maxillary or mandibular gingiva will be randomly allocated into two equal groups. One group will be treated with diode laser therapy, while the other group will receive topical licorice extract gel. Clinical outcomes will be assessed using standardized gingival pigmentation indices and patient satisfaction questionnaires over a follow-up period of 36 weeks.

Detailed description

This randomized controlled clinical trial will be conducted at the outpatient clinic of the Department of Oral Medicine, Periodontology, Oral Diagnosis and Oral Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Egypt. Eligible participants aged 18-50 years with physiologic gingival pigmentation will be randomly assigned into two groups. Group A will receive gingival depigmentation using a 445 nm diode laser, while Group B will receive topical licorice extract gel applied three times daily. The intensity and distribution of gingival pigmentation will be evaluated using the Dummett-Gupta Oral Pigmentation Index (DOPI) and Gingival Pigmentation Index (GPI). Patient satisfaction will also be assessed. Clinical evaluations will be performed at baseline, 1 week, 4 weeks, 12 weeks and 36 weeks after treatment.

Conditions

• Gingival Hyperpigmentation

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Diode Laser 445 nm	Gingival depigmentation performed using a diode laser with a wavelength of 445 nm in continuous wave mode at 1 W power.
DRUG	Licorice Extract Gel	Topical licorice extract gel applied to pigmented gingival areas three times daily for one month, with continuation for a second and third month if required.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-04-01
• Primary completion: 2026-01-01
• Completion: 2026-01-01
• First posted: 2026-01-08
• Last updated: 2026-01-15

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Egypt