Ellagic acid protected the gingival tissue via fibroblast and epidermal growth factors in rats.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of ellagic acid (EA) in gingival tissues injury in rats.

METHODS: Twenty rats were categorized into two groups. In burn group, an excisional wound area was created by removing a 4-mm diameter flap from the left molar region in the mucoperiosteal region of the gingiva. In burn + ellagic acid group, 1.2 mg/mL EA was administered as irrigation for one week. Animals was sacrificed under anesthesia at the end of experiment. Malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and glutathione (GSH) level were measured. Hematoxylin and eosin, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) immunostainings were applied to tissues.

RESULTS: MDA, MPO, inflammation and leukocyte infiltration were high in burn group. Degeneration epithelium, edema and inflammatory cell infiltration in connective tissue areas, and dilatation and congestion in blood vessels were observed in burn group. In burn + EA group, the gingival epithelium improved, collagen fiber production increased and organized dermis were observed. After burn injury, FGF and EGF activity was increased in EA treated groups.

CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that EA have the potential for better healing outcomes in oral wounds. EA seems to have promising therapeutic efficacy to enhance oral wound healing.