ABSTRACT
Objective: This research to evaluate and compare the effect of moringa oleifera (MO) extract on the stemness properties of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). Subjects and methods: (DPSCs) were isolated from the pulp of three permanent teeth indicated for extraction for therapeutic purposes. DPSCs were cultured with moringa oleifera extract at concentration 100μg/ml, and with Ca(OH)2 and MTA extracts as positive controls. Cells cultured without any extract were used as negative controls. Stemness properties of DPSCs were assessed in terms of proliferation, migration, and the ability to enhance wound healing. Moreover, the osteogenic differentiation potential of DPSCs cultured with MO extract was evaluated. Results: No significant statistical between groups was detected regarding cell proliferation rate. The number of migrated DPSCs towards the MO was significantly lower than that in the -ve control group (p < 0.000005). Also, there was a significant difference between the number of migrated DPSCs in the MO group and that in the +ve control groups (p < 0.000005). The ability to enhance the healing of the wound was higher in the MTA group rather than in the MO group. Finally, successful osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs manifested as calcified nodules occurred in all groups. Conclusions: Despite the limitations of this study, MO proved to have no adverse effect on DPSCs proliferation rate and can induce osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs. On the other hand, MO showed little effect on cell migration and wound healing in DPSCs