Experimental assessment of an elderberry-enriched carboxymethyl chitosan gel in a rat gingival defect model: local and systemic tolerance with histological findings

Uzun Saylan B. C., Yılmaz O., Ziylan A., Aktaş S., Baysan G., Gökbayrak Ö. E., ...Daha Fazla

Journal of medicine and palliative care (Online), sa.2, ss.297-306, 2026 (Hakemli Dergi)

Özet

Aims: The local and systemic effects of an elderberry-enriched carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCht-E) gel formulation were

evaluated in an experimental rat gingival defect model.

Methods: Twenty-one male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three experimental groups, including a sham group, a CMCht gel group, and a CMCht-E gel group, with seven animals in each group. Standardized gingival defects measuring 3 mm in diameter were surgically created in the mandibular incisor region. Sham defects were irrigated with normal saline only, whereas experimental defects were treated with CMCht or CMCht-E gel. Local tissue responses were evaluated by macroscopic and histological analyses, and systemic effects were assessed using hematological and serum biochemical parameters.

Results: Histological analysis revealed a significant intergroup difference in epithelial thickness (p<0.001) and inflammatory cell infiltration (p=0.024). Neutrophil-rich inflammatory infiltrates were predominantly observed in the CMCht group, whereas no inflammatory cells were detected in the CMCht-E group. No significant intergroup differences were found in fibroblast density, vascularization, or collagen fiber distribution (p>0.05). Hematological and biochemical parameters showed no significant intergroup differences (p>0.05).

Conclusion: The elderberry-enriched CMCht gel showed favorable histological healing without inflammatory infiltration or systemic adverse effects, supporting its potential as a locally well-tolerated topical biomaterial with anti-inflammatory properties for gingival wound applications.