Topical Olive Leaf Extract Improves Healing of Oral Mucositis in Golden Hamsters

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Oral mucositis (OM) is a common side effect of anti-cancer drugs and needs significant attention for its prevention.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the healing effects of olive leaf extract on 5-fluorouracil-induced OM in golden hamster.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

OM was induced in 63 male golden hamsters by the combination of 5-fluorouracil injections (days 0, 5 and 10) and the abrasion of the cheek pouch (days 3 and 4). On day 12, hamsters were received topical olive leaf extract ointment, base of ointment, or no treatment (control) for 5 days. Histopathology evaluations, blood examinations, and tissue malondialdehyde level measurement were performed 1, 3 and 5 days after treatments.

RESULTS

Histopathology score and tissue malondialdehyde level were significantly lower in olive leaf extract treated group in comparison with control and base groups (p= 0.000). Significant decreases in white blood cell, hemoglobin, hematocrit , and mean corpuscular volume and an increase in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were observed in olive leaf extract treated group in comparison with control and base groups (p< 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrated that daily application of olive leaf extract ointment had healing effect on 5-fluorouracil induced OM in hamsters. Moreover, the beneficial effect of olive leaf extract on OM might be due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Antimicrobial activity of seven essential oils from Iranian aromatic plants against common causes of oral infections

Background:

Over the past two decades, there has been a growing trend in using oral hygienic products originating from natural resources such as essential oils (EOs) and plant extracts. Seven aromatic plants used in this study are among popular traditional Iranian medicinal plants with potential application in modern medicine as anti-oral infectious diseases.

Objectives:

This study was conducted to determine the chemical composition and antimicrobial activities of essential oils from seven medicinal plants against pathogens causing oral infections.

Materials and Methods:

The chemical compositions of EOs distilled from seven plants were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). These plants included Satureja khuzestanica, S. bachtiarica, Ocimum sanctum, Artemisia sieberi, Zataria multiflora, Carum copticum and Oliveria decumbens. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oils was evaluated by broth micro-dilution in 96 well plates as recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) methods.

Results:

The tested EOs inhibited the growth of examined oral pathogens at concentrations of 0.015-16 µL/mL. Among the examined oral pathogens, Enterococcus faecalis had the highest Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) and Minimum Microbicidal Concentrations (MMCs). Of the examined EOs, S. khuzestanica, Z. multiflora and S. bachtiarica, showed the highest antimicrobial activities, respectively, while Artemisia sieberi exhibited the lowest antimicrobial activity.

Conclusions:

The excellent antimicrobial activities of the tested EOs might be due to their major phenolic or alcoholic monoterpenes with known antimicrobial activities. Hence, these EOs can be possibly used as an antimicrobial agent in treatment and control of oral pathogens.

Correlation between endodontic broken instrument and nickel level in urine

This study aims to evaluate the correlation between the presences of separated endodontic instrument inside the dental canal and the nickel (Ni) level in the urine samples of subjected patients. Same-gendered and near-aged participants were selected and were instructed to collect their urine in sterile nickel-free plastic containers. The procedures were carried out in the office, and samples were stored in low-temperature cooler for 1 day and then they were transferred to the laboratory for electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. The level of Ni was measured and the correlation coefficient was calculated. Data were analyzed using t tests, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and linear regression analysis, at a level of significance P < 0.05. The statistical analysis has showed significant difference in Ni level between endodontic and control groups (P < 0.05). There was no correlation between Ni level in urine and the age or time period of broken instrument inside the canal; however, Ni level of urine and the age of participants in experimental group has demonstrated a positive correlation. The amount of Ni element can be increased in the urine of patients who have experienced broken endodontic instrument inside the dental canal. However, there is no positive correlation between the remaining pieces of instruments inside the canal and the elevation of nickel amount in urine during the tested time period. This issue suggested that the aging of remaining broken instrument inside the canal does not show any remarkable concern regarding the Ni elevation in the urine excreted by an individual.