Anti-collagenolytic Activity of a Native Herb as Compared to Doxycycline in Chronic Periodontitis

Objectives: 1. To study the anti-collagenolytic activity of Myristica fragrans
2. To compare the anti MMP-8 activity of Myristica fragrans with doxycycline

Methods: Ten tissue samples were collected from patients diagnosed as chronic periodontitis as per AAP criteria 1999 and undergoing periodontal flap surgery. A tissue homogenate as well as Myristica fragrans and doxycycline solutions were prepared. The 96 wells ELISA kit (Product no. RAB 0370 SIGMA) was procured for the detection of MMP-8 in the samples. The sample solutions consisting either of these samples: tissue sample, samples with Myristica fragrans and samples with doxycycline were added to the wells and read at 450 nm using appropriate detection antibody. Paired t-test was used to compare the mean value of percentage reduction in the value of MMP-8 using Myristica fragrans or doxycycline.

Results: The concentration of MMP-8 in the three solutions were compared. The percentage reduction in the anti-collagenase activity of Myristica fragrans and doxycycline was tabulated (7.52 pg/ml and 24.629 pg/ml). The concentrations of MMP-8 in the three solutions were compared as 132.765 pg/ml (Sample I), 111.93 pg/ml (Sample II) and 89.345 pg/ml (Sample III).

Conclusions: Myristica fragrans which is a commonly used herb in India, possesses anti collagenolytic activity. The anti MMP activity of Mysristica fragrans is found to be better than doxycycline in treating periodontitis.