Abstract:

Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is a drug which has a wide application in the treatment of malignant diseases and autoimmune diseases. The main side effect of MTX is oral mucositis as well as salivary gland damage. Objective: to evaluate and compare the individual effect of green tea and black seeds oil extract, on MTX induced oral mucositis and submandibular salivary gland cytotoxicity in albino rats.
Material and Methods: A total of fifty six male Albino rats were used, divided into four experimental groups, Group 1:control group, Group 2: MTX treated group, Group 3: MTX + Green Tea extract treated group and Group 4: MTX + Black seed oil treated group. Rats were sacrificed separately after five and ten days. Specimens were processed for H/E staining and immunohistochemically prepared for COX-2 expression. The data was analyzed and expressed statistically.
Results: Group 1 showed normal structure of the salivary gland, the oral and tongue mucosa. Group 2 showed severe loss in the normal histologic structure of the tissues with marked inflammatory cell infiltration. Group 3 showed almost normal epithelium with reduction in the inflammatory cell infiltrate. Group 4 also showed reduction in signs of inflammation with areas of fibrosis. Immunohistochemical results revealed a weak positive reaction of COX 2 in groups 1, 3 and 4 while a strong positive reaction was noticed in group 2.
Conclusion: The green tea caused marked improvement in the tissues, with obvious anti-inflammatory effect after five days of treatment. Further improvement was noticed after ten days.