Effects of Magnoliae Cortex and Zizyphi Fructus Extract Mixtures on the Progression of Experimental Periodontitis in Beagle Dogs

Abstract

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory process caused by periodontopathic microorganisms in dental plaque. Numerous studies have interested in the use of antimicrobial agents to eradicate or decrease number of putative periodontal pathogenic microorganisms. Another approach has focused on the use of chemotherapeutic agents to modulate the host response. In the view of general reluctance to use antibiotics for the treatment of chronic infections with such a wide prevalence, interest has been directed largely towards the antiseptics. Most commonly used antiseptics in clinical periodontics are bisbiguanides, phenolic compounds, quaternary ammonium compounds, and etc. While these agents have been used for many years, they have exhibited many drawbacks such as tooth staining, development of resistant strains and desquamation of oral epithelium1-3). Systemic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) therapy have been shown to arrest periodontal disease progression in animal models4-7) and clinical trials8-11). Although relative low dose systemic NSAIDs therapy has been successfully used to slow the rate of periodontal disease progression, its use also involves side effects such as gastrointestinal trouble12). In a previous study, it was suggested that magnolia and honokiol isolated from the stem bark of Magnolia obovate Thunb. have a significant antimicrobial activity against periodontopathic bacteria13). It was reported that Zizyphi fructus extract may prevent glucan production by cariogenic bacteria14) and prevent production of IL-1 βand PGE215, 16). This study focuses on the effect of oral administration of Magnoliae cortex and Zizyphi fructus extract mixtures on the disease progression in beagle dogs with ligature-induced experimental periodontitis.