Effectiveness of Azadirachta indica bark extract in periodontitis induced rabbit model

Abstract

Background and Aim: Azadirachta indica twigs have been used to maintain healthy periodontium for many years in Pakistan and India. Leaves and fruit oil have also been used to treat and as a prophylactic agent for periodontitis in the form toothpastes, mouthwashes, oral chips. However, there is lack of scientific data for its efficacy in this particular condition. The present study was designed to see the effectiveness of Azadirachta indica bark extract in rabbit model of experimentally induced periodontitis. Experimental procedures: 24 rabbits were distributed into four groups. Group A served as healthy control, Group B, C and D were induced with periodontitis. Group C and D were treated with Azadirachta indica bark extract and amoxicillin, respectively. Parameters recorded were periodontal index, total leukocyte count in blood and gingival crevicular fluid, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and levels of IL- 6 in serum and gingival crevicular fluid. Result: The treatment with Azadirachta indica bark extract and amoxicillin significantly reduced inflammation. There was a significant reduction in bleeding on probing, plaque accumulation, probing pocket depth, total leukocyte count in gingival crevicular fluid and blood; also levels of IL 6 in gingival crevicular fluid were reduced in both treatment groups. Conclusion: Results indicate that Neem (Azadirachta indica) bark extract possesses the capacity to improve periodontal inflammation.