EVALUATION OF NIGELLA SATIVA ON SOCKET HEALING IN RABBITS

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Tooth extraction socket healing is a complex process, which involves tissue repair and regeneration. Concurrent with bone growth into the socket, there is also well-documented resorption of the alveolar ridges. Therefore, the socket preservation concept was introduced. One of the top ranked evidence-based herbal medicines, which has been described as the “miracle herb of the century” is Nigella sativa (NS). N. sativa has been extensively studied for its biological activities and therapeutic potential and shown to possess wide spectrum of activities. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the biological effect of Nigella sativa on socket healing in rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve healthy rabbits were used in this study, lower first premolars (right and left) were extracted. All right sockets were left for normal healing as a control group, while the left sockets are considered as the study group and they were treated with Nigella Sativa. All sockets were sutured. Rabbits were sacrificed after two weeks. Their mandibles were dissected out to be processed for histological examination under the light microscope. RESULTS: In the control group, the histological examination of the socket revealed randomly arranged thin bony spicules lined by flattened layer of osteoblast cells on its surface, enclosing fibrous bone marrow with limited vascularity. Osteocytes were of moderate size and density. In the Nigella sativa treated group sockets exhibited more active bone formation, thick trabeculae with highly vascular bone marrow and large numerous osteocytes. Certain areas show replacement of woven bone with mature bone where bone remodeling takes place. CONCLUSIONS: Use of Nigella sativa after extraction in the healing sockets could enhance bone formation and accelerate the process of socket healing