The healing effect of nano emulsified Plantago major L extract on oral wounds in a wistar rat model.

Introduction: Oral lesions are a common clinical symptom arising from various etiologies and disrupt the patient's quality of life. However, no definite treatment is not yet possible, due to the constantly changing environment of the mouth. In recent years, herbal treatments have gained popularity among patients and physicians due to their availability, safety, affordability, and antimicrobial properties. This research aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of a nano-emulsion of Plantago major standardized extract (PMSE) on oral ulcers in a Wistar rat model using histomorphometry and stereological parameters.

Materials and methods: The study involved 72 Wistar rats divided randomly into 24 groups of 3 each: groups A1 to A4 received one dose to 4 doses of 5% PMSE nano emulsion, groups B1 to B4 received one dose to 4 doses of 10% PMSE nano emulsion, and groups C1 to C4 received one dose to 4 doses of 20% PMSE nano emulsion, groups D1 to D4 received one dose to 4 doses of nano-emulsion without PMSE, groups E1 to E4 received one dose to 4 doses of PMSE, and group F served as the control group. An incision measuring 2 mm in diameter was made in the animals' hard palate using a biopsy punch. A swab containing the necessary material was used to administer the medication orally to the wound. Histological samples were collected on days 2, 4, 6, and 8 and sent to the pathology laboratory for examination. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 26 and setting statistical significance at p < 0.05.

Results: Group A showed a high rate of complete and normal re-epithelialization of the wound at 66.7%, compared to the other groups. Group D had a re-epithelialization rate of 50%, while groups C, E, and F had rates of 7.41% and group B had 7.16%. In terms of inflammation reduction, 23.88% of group A had no inflammation, a higher percentage compared to the other groups. Group B and D had no inflammation in 3.33% of cases, lower than the other groups. The study evaluated frequency of re-epithelialization and inflammation levels in different groups on days 2, 4, 6, and 8 after four doses of the drug with no significant differences found among the groups.

Conclusion: None of the nano emulsions or PMSE enhanced the healing rate of oral ulcers. However, a 5% PMSE nano emulsion displayed an increase in lesion re-epithelialization.