Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a slowly advancing disease marked by continuous tissue changes that worsen with time, predominantly affects individuals of South Asian descent. It involves the development of fibrous tissue in the oral mucosa, resulting in trismus (Reduced oral aperture) and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). In advanced stages, OSMF carries a significant risk of progression to malignancy. While areca nut consumption represents the primary causative factor, emerging evidence suggests that physiological and psychological stress play a critical role in disease progression. Stress influences immune responses, oxidative stress, and metabolic changes, exacerbating fibrosis and tissue damage. This narrative review examines the impact of stress on OSMF development and progression, drawing on clinical, molecular, and psychosocial perspectives. We discuss potential mechanisms linking stress to OSMF, identify knowledge gaps, and propose future research directions.
Keywords: Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF), stress, oxidative stress, areca nut, fibrosis, South Asia.
How to cite this article: Kurup PR, R S, "Association of OSMF with Stress among South Asian Population: A Narrative Review". Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(2s): 246-250; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.246-250