Use of Carrot Oil, Olive Oil, Pine Oil, Rose Oil in Comparison to Xylene as Clearing Agent During Tissue Processing: an in Vitro Study

ABSTRACT: Background: Clearing plays a vital role in histological section preparation. Xylene has long been valued for its ability to efficiently deparaffinize and clear tissue samples. However, its hazardous properties have raised health and environmental concerns, leading researchers to seek alternative solvents for tissue processing. This study utilized safer substitutes to address these concerns. Aim: To assess the clearing ability of four different oils i.e., Carrot oil, Olive oil, Pine oil, and Rose oil in comparison with that of xylene. Materials and Methods: Thirty different formalin-fixed tissue samples were cut into five parts and cleared using Carrot oil, Olive oil, Pine oil, Rose oil, and xylene followed by routine processing, sectioning, and staining steps. Presence or absence of shrinkage, ease of cutting, nucleus, cytoplasm details and staining quality were assesed and comparison was done between each of them cleared with the 4 different oils with that cleared using xylene. Results: The results showed that all four oils cleared tissues as effectively as xylene, with Pine oil superior in nucleus and cytoplasm details, as well as staining quality insignificant number of samples. Conclusion: These oils not only more affordable and eco-friendly than xylene but can also serve as effective clearing agents.