Evaluation of the effect of Nigella sativa oil and powder on healing process, histologically and radiographically (An experimental study on rabbit)

Abstract

Back ground: Today’s world is increasingly seeking ways to replace the synthetic drugs with the therapeutic power ofnatural products to decrease the percentage of many side effect which result from conventional treatment; one ofthese products was Nigella sativa (NgS) which was used so extensively that it became known as the seed of blessing“Habbatul Barakah” due to its powerful healing qualities for many ailments. The aim of this study was to evaluate thetherapeutic effect of Nigella sativa (powder and oil) on the healing process of extracted teeth sockets.Materials and Methods: The sample of our study consist of Forty eight rabbits to extract there upper two centralincisors under general anesthesia. The left side filled once with Nigella sativa powder and once with Nigella sativa oilmaterial, and the right side left for normal healing as a control group. The two sockets were sutured. The results werestudied radiographically and histologically after 1,2,4,6 weeks postoperatively. The radiographic examination wasperformed by using parallel technique in a digital radiographic examination and histological examination wasperformed under light microscope for the section stained with heamatoxiline and eosin.Results: Radiographically we found that NgS powder showed more radiopacity with complete disappearance oflamina dura in 6 weeks duration compared with NgS oil and control groups, while histologically we found that theNigella sativa (NgS) groups (powder and oil) illustrate an early apposition of osteoid tissue in 1st week duration withnumerous osteoblast and osteocyte in comparision to control group.In six weeks duration well developed bone filledall the portions of the socket in treated socket with NS powder with obvious complete epithelization of socket surfaceConclusion: Nigella sativa (powder or oil) seems to be bioactive materials that enhance differentiation andproliferation of progenitor cells to specialized bone formative cells, with no signs of inflammation