Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Myrtus communis in ligature-induced periodontitis in rats.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Myrtus communis (MC) extract on oxidative stress, inflammation and alveolar bone loss in ligature-induced periodontitis in rats. Forty-two adult male Wistar Albino rats were randomly divided into six groups: Control (C); Periodontitis (P); Periodontitis + MC (P+GG+MC); Periodontitis + MC (P+IO+MC); Periodontitis + chlorhexidine (P+CHX); and Periodontitis + MC (P+GG+IO+MC). Myrtus communis extract (150 μg/mL, 0.5 mL) was administered via gastric gavage or spray. Chlorhexidine (0.3 mL) was administered once daily for 11 days via spray. Serum oxidative stress markers (TOS, TAS), inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MMP-8, MMP-9), bone morphometry using micro-CT, and histopathological analyses (RANKL, ICD) were evaluated. The lowest ICD levels were observed in the P+CHX group, while RANKL activity was highest in the P group. TAS levels were significantly higher in the P+GG+MC group compared to the P, P+IO+MC, and P+GG+IO+MC groups, while TOS levels were highest in the P group. Bone quantity tended to be greater in the P+GG+MC group compared to other groups, whereas the bone ratio was higher in the P+CHX group. MMP-8 levels were significantly lower in the P+GG+MC group compared to all other groups. In conclusion, the data obtained indicate that Myrtus communis extract, particularly when administered systemically, may serve as an adjuvant treatment option by preventing alveolar bone loss through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.