Introduction: Lepidium sativum, commonly known as garden cress is a herb that is native to Egypt and West Asia. Its seeds are rich source of proteins, dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, other essential nutrients and phytochemicals. Garden cress is widely used in folk medicine for the treatment of many diseases. Periodontitis is defined as an inflammatory bacterial-induced disease that damages the soft tissue and gradually destroys the periodontal ligaments and supporting alveolar bone. Periodontitis can cause teeth to loosen or lead to tooth loss. Different methods, such asbiomechanical measurements, surgical approaches are used to treat periodontitis.
Objective: to evaluate histologically and ultra-structurally the possible effect of garden cress therapy on alveolar bone healing in rats with ligature induced periodontitis.
Materials and Methods: Fortyfive adult male Sprague–Dawley rats of 6 months old (200-250 grams in weight) was used in this study. They were divided into 3 equal groups: group A; (control group), group B; (ligature induced periodontitis) and group C :( ligature induced periodontitis with garden cress administration). Ligature was removed after 11 days. Garden cress was applied after ligature removal systemically by using oral gavage. Rats were sacrificed after six weeks from the ligature removal. Mandibles were dissected out and were prepared for histological and scanning electron microscopic evaluation.
Results: After 6 weeks the specimens of group B (periodontitis group) showed alveolar bone loss, while in group C (garden cress group) showed relative restoration of alveolar bone. Results of scanning electron microscope revealed an irregular & porous bone surface of group B, while Group C showed relative smooth and regular alveolar bone.
Conclusion: Garden Cress systemic administration accelerates alveolar bone healing and enhances bone formation in periodontal diseases.