EFFECT OF TETRACYCLINE, DOXYCYCLINE AND TRIPHALA ON COLLAGEN MEMBRANEDEGRADATION: AN IN VITRO STUDY

Background: Collagen membranes are widely used in periodontal regeneration. However, strategies to enhance membrane stability include the incorporation of antimicrobial agents or natural inhibitors of collagenase activity. Hence, present study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of tetracycline hydrochloride, doxycycline hyclate, and Triphala in delaying collagen membrane degradation at varying concentrations in an in vitro model. Methods: Present invitro analysis used Healiguide collagen membranes. They were treated with tetracycline (TTC), doxycycline (DOX), and Triphala (TRI) at concentrations of 25 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, 75 mg/ml, and 100 mg/ml. Collagenase enzyme (Clostridial collagenase, HiMedia Laboratories, India) was used to induce degradation. A total of 48 specimens were used, with collagen degradation assessed at 4-time intervals (Days 2, 7, 14, and 21) using spectrophotometric analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA with post hoc Tukey’s tests to compare among the groups and p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: All tested agents significantly reduced collagen degradation compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Doxycycline at 25 mg/ml and 75 mg/ml exhibited the most pronounced inhibition of collagen breakdown, showing statistically significant differences from the control. Tetracycline was also effective, particularly at 75 mg/ml, while Triphala at 50 mg/ml and 75 mg/ml demonstrated moderate inhibition but did not surpass the efficacy of doxycycline. Conclusion: Present study concludes doxycycline as the most effective in delaying collagen membrane degradation, followed by tetracycline and Triphala. The given growing concern over antibiotic resistance, Triphala may serve as a promising natural alternative for membrane stabilization in periodontal applications.