2017 Volume 67 Issue 1 Pages 11-17
Studies have demonstrated that natural plant-derived components, such as crude drugs, have anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we examined the topical application of dentifrices containing natural plant-derived components on the gingival surface in a rat periodontitis model. Wistar male rats (age: 8 weeks) were divided into three groups; natural plant-derived components group (n=6), natural plant-derived components + active ingredient group (n=4), and control group (n=6). A 3/0 silk ligature was placed in the subgingival position of the maxillary second molars to induce periodontitis for 4 weeks. After the silk ligature was removed, dentifrice containing 15 natural plant-derived components and kampo medicines, such as ninjin, toki and shakuyaku (natural plant-derived components group), or dentifrice containing 15 natural plant-derived components and 4 active ingredients, such as hinokitiol (natural plant-derived components + active ingredient group), was applied once a day for 2 weeks. The control group received no treatment. Polymorphonuclear leukocyte proliferation and expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β in the natural plant-derived components group were lower than in the control group (p<0.05). These observations indicate that dentifrice containing natural plant-derived components has an anti-inflammatory effect on periodontitis in a rat model.
