EXPRESSION OF TOTAL COLLAGEN IN NORMAL ORAL MUCOSA SUBMITTED TO THE TOPICAL APPLICATION OF CHAMOMILE

Abstract

<h3>Objectives</h3> Characterize the pattern of collagen fiber expression and quantify the total collagen in the normal oral mucosa of rats after topical application of chamomile (<i>Matricaria recutita</i>). <h3>Study Design</h3> Thirty-five Wistar rats were allocated in experimental groups: control (G1), chamomile fluid extract (G2), chamomile infusion 2 times/day (G3), and chamomile infusion 3 times/day (G4). Euthanasia occurred on the 7th and 14th days after the application of the herbal medicine. The histologic sections of the buccal mucosa obtained were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius red for qualitative and quantitative analyses of collagen fibers at the lamina propria. <h3>Results</h3> The descriptive analysis showed a similar pattern for all groups, showing thick collagen fibers arranged in all directions. The percentage of total collagen on the 7th and 14th days (medians) was as follows: G2 (42.2 and 40.3), G3 (43.8 and 46.3), and G4 (49.6 and 49.9), respectively, with no significant differences between the groups and the periods studied. <h3>Conclusions</h3> There was no difference in the pattern of qualitative and quantitative expression of collagen fibers after topical application of chamomile in normal oral mucosa during the periods and groups studied, suggesting that the herbal medicine did not cause damage to the evaluated tissues.