Histomorphometric analysis of bone architecture parameters in socket of rabbit treated with Nigella Sativa

Abstract

Background: Seeds of Nigella sativa are frequently used in folk medicine in the Middle East and some Asian countries for the promotion of good health and treatment of many ailments. The multiple uses of Nigella sativa in folk medicine encouraged many investigators to isolate the possible active components and to conduct in vivo and in vitro studies on laboratory animals and human beings in order to understand its therapeutic actions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Nigella Sativa when used as a powder and during oil application on healing process of extracted teeth sockets in different weeks. Materials and Methods: The sample of our study consists of Forty eight rabbits to extract their upper two central incisors under general anesthesia. The left side filled once with Nigella sativa powder and once with Nigella sativa oil material, and the right side left for normal healing as a control group. The two sockets were sutured. The results were studied in intervals period 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks, histologically and radiographically. Results: Histomorphometric analysis for variables: trabecular width, trabecular number, trabecular separation, Marrow space star volume analysis, Osteoblast number, osteocyte number and blood vessels number for two sockets showed significant differences in NgS powder group in comparison to NgS oil group and both NgS groups in comparison to control. Bone marrow star volume showed a significant variation between NgS powder and NgS oil and in both NgS groups in comparison to control, also bone marrow star volume showed decrease in it’s value with increment in healing period in all groups, Cortical bone thickness records showed increment in NgS powder group in comparison to oil and in both groups in comparison to control with increment in periods of healing, Counting of osteoblast and osteocyte showed high number in both NgS (powder and oil) groups in comparison to control group. The increment in number detected in 2nd week and then decrease as increase in periods (4th and 6th weeks) and numerous blood vessels detected in 4th week’s duration in NgS powder groups in apical portion while it detected in 6th weeks in apical portion for oil group. Conclusion: Nigella sativa (powder or oil) seems to be bioactive materials that enhance differentiation and proliferation of progenitor cells to specialized bone formative cells, with acceleration of bone formation. (J Bagh Coll Dentistry 2012;24(1):45-51).