Aims: Previous data have demonstrated that berberin, a barberry plant alkaloid possessed various therapeutic properties. This study histologically evaluated the clinical efficacy of a berberin-derived topical gel on periodontal inflammation in patients requiring surgery.

  Methods: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 14 patient (11 female, 3 male) presenting with moderate to severe periodontitis. Plaque Indices (PI) and gingival Indices (GI) were recorded at baseline and scaling and root planning carried out. One week later, PI and GI values were recorded again and patients treated on respective sides of the jaw with either berberine gel or a placebo gel control at night for two weeks. The PI and GI were again measured prior to periodontal surgery (three weeks after the initial visit). Specimens collected from both sides of the jaw were evaluated histologically and PI and GI scores compared for statistical differences.

  Results: GI and PI scores were significantly different between baseline and follow up but differences between groups were not observed. No differences in the nature of the inflammatory cell types present, degree of angiogenesis, integrity of collagen fibers nor the levels of edema were observed between groups, however, barberry gel-treated tissues presented with reduced levels of inflammatory cell infiltrates compared to placebo controls.

 Conclusions: Tissues treated with barberry gel extract had reduced numbers of inflammatory cells at the time of surgery. However, the GI and PI scores were not different between treatment groups.

 Source: Journal of Periodentology & Implant Dentistry

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