Evaluation of alveolar bone preservation and oxidative stress reduction with açai in Wistar rats with induced apical periodontitis

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the effects of açai on bone and systemic damage caused by apical periodontitis (AP) in an animal model.

Methodology

In this experimental study, 32 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into six groups—Control 14 days (n = 4), Control 28 days (n = 4), AP 14 days (n = 4), AP 28 days (n = 4), AP plus açai treatment for 14 days (n = 8) and AP plus açai treatment for 28 days (n = 8). Apical periodontitis was induced under general anaesthesia by exposing the pulp of the first molars to the oral environment. Daily treatments were administered by gavage at a dose of 0.01 mL/g, using either saline solution or clarified açai. At the end of each experimental period, periapical lesions were quantitatively evaluated by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histopathological analyses, whilst systemic oxidative stress was assessed through biochemical assays. Data normality was verified using the Shapiro–Wilk test, followed by one-way anova and Tukey's post hoc test (p < .05).

Results

Micro-CT analysis revealed that açai reduced apical periodontitis lesion volume and improved bone quality (p < .05). Histopathological evaluation corroborated these findings, revealing moderate inflammation at 14 days and more pronounced, heterogeneous inflammatory responses at 28 days, with no significant differences between groups. Additionally, açai modulated systemic oxidative biochemistry, enhanced antioxidant defences and reduced pro-oxidant damage after 28 days.

Conclusions

Oral açai administration was associated with reduced progression of apical periodontitis and improved bone quality, suggesting its potential as a protective antioxidant in endodontic treatment, minimizing both local and systemic damage.