Effects of Curcumin and Tetracycline Gel on Experimental Induced Periodontitis as an Anti-Inflammatory, Osteogenesis Promoter and Enhanced Bone Density through Altered Iron Levels: Histopathological Study

Adjunctive use of antimicrobials with scaling and root planing (SRP) is necessary to better eradicate dental biofilm. Tetracycline (T) is the most commonly used antimicrobial; however, it has limitations. This study evaluates the effect of curcumin (CU) as adjunct to SRP on inflammatory markers, collagen fiber deposition, and altered iron level. A total of 32 Wistar rats were divided into five groups: no experimental periodontitis (healthy control), experimental periodontitis (EPD), EPD treated with SRP alone (SRP), EPD treated with SRP+T (SRP+T), and EPD treated with SRP+CU (SRP+CU). After 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, tissue samples were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin, and special stains (Perls' stain and Masson's Trichrome) for counting of inflammatory cells, angiogenesis, collagen fibers, and iron deposition. Significant reductions in inflammatory cells infiltration and alveolar bone resorption with angiogenesis and collagen fibers deposition were detected after 2 and 4 weeks in both SRP+T and SRP+CU groups. SRP+CU resulted in a significant reduction in osteoclast numbers (week 2) and iron deposition (week 4) in bone trabeculae as compared to SRP and SRP+T groups. The adjunctive use of CU showed comparable results to T in the reduction in inflammation and bone resorption. Furthermore, CU has potential osteogenesis and healing effects.