Experimental Investigation of the Effects of ‘Nigella sativa’ and ‘Vitis vinifera’ on Intraoral Wound Healing
Oral Health and Preventive Dentistry, vol.24, pp.695-702, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 24
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.3290/j.ohpd.c_2793
- Journal Name: Oral Health and Preventive Dentistry
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Directory of Open Access Journals
- Page Numbers: pp.695-702
- Keywords: cytokine, inflammation, Nigella sativa, Vitis vinifera, wound healing
- Sivas Cumhuriyet University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to experimentally investigate the effects of Nigella sativa and Vitis vinifera oils on intraoral wound healing in rats through biochemical, histopathological, and histomorphometric evaluations. Methods and Materials: Sixty male Wistar albino rats (4-6 months old) were divided into four groups: Control (C, n = 6), Saline (S, n = 18), Nigella sativa (Ns, n = 18), and Vitis vinifera (Vv, n = 18). A full-thickness circular wound of 3.5 mm was created in the palate. Treatments were administered daily via oral gavage until the day of sacrifice. Serum IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 levels were measured from collected blood samples using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Full-thickness tissue samples (1 × 1 cm, including healthy tissue) underwent routine histological processing. The resulting intraoral photographs were used for digital wound area measurements. Results: In the experimental groups, cytokine levels in blood samples collected during the first week differed significantly compared with the control group. Significant differences in IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 levels were observed among the subgroups on days 7, 14, and 21 (p < 0.05). Histological evaluation showed a significant reduction in intraepithelial ulceration in the Ns and Vv groups (p < 0.05), along with increased re-epithelialisation. Wound area measurements revealed significant differences between the Ns and Vv groups and the S group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Nigella sativa and Vitis vinifera support intraoral wound healing through modulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first experimental comparison of these two phytochemicals in an intraoral wound healing model.