Kerala-based dentist Lini's breakthrough medicine for dry mouth, utilizes aloe vera

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Aloe vera helps keep saliva from drying out. Dr Lini Basil, a dentist from Thiruvananthapuram, has made a significant discovery. She created a product that treats xerostomia, a condition where the mouth becomes dry due to reduced saliva. This condition affects diabetics, people undergoing radiation, and those taking certain medications regularly.

Dr Lini developed this solution after seeing many patients with dry mouth. Her study led to the creation of a product called Drizlin, which was tested on 75 patients and has been patented. Drizlin is the first of its kind in the country. It uses aloe vera, which is 95% water, and collagen protein. The medicine is placed on a small cloth that is stuck inside the mouth. It retains moisture even with minimal water intake, keeping the mouth hydrated throughout the day and preventing infections.

The startup was opened in 2020 at Sree Chitra's Bio Medical Technical Wing in Poojappura. Friend and scientist Dr Senthil Kumar also helped. Lini started her own clinic after graduating from Thiruvananthapuram Dental College in 2007. She got the idea for Drislin when she did her fellowship at Sree Chitra in 2018. The trial was conducted on patients at Salem Dental College and Bombay Tata Hospital.

The product will be launched this year at an affordable price, thanks to a grant of Rs. 1.5 crore from the government.

Xerostomia makes it hard for people to eat all types of food. They often use mouthwash to keep their mouth moist, but it can be expensive. Drislin offers a more cost-effective solution.