Robusta Coffee Husk Extract Increases the Number of Fibroblast and Collagen Density in Gingival Rat Periodontitis

<b>Introduction:</b> Periodontitis is an infectious disease of periodontal tissue caused by the bacteria <i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i> which can trigger the formation of free radicals. Periodontitis can be treated using metronidazole but long-term use can cause negative effects. Natural ingredients such as robusta coffee husk can be used as an alternative treatment for periodontitis because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial benefits. <b>Aim:</b> To determine the effect of robusta coffee husk extract on the number of fibroblasts and collagen density in gingival Wistar rats induced by <i>P. gingivalis</i>. <b>Methods:</b> Robusta coffee husk extract was extracted using the maceration process with 96% ethanol. Thirty male Wistar rats divided into 6 treatment groups: healthy rat, negative control (<i>P. gingivalis</i> + Aquades sterile), positive control (<i>P. gingivalis</i> + metronidazole), and 3 treatment groups of extract concentration (<i>P. gingivalis</i> + 125, 250, and 500 mg/kgBW). <i>P. gingivalis</i> injection was carried out in the buccal area of the left mandibular first molar of mice every 3 days. Robusta coffee husk extract and metronidazole were given by using sondase once a day for 21 days. The gingival specimens were then processed histologically. Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining was performed to observe the number of fibroblast, and collagen density was observed by Thricome Mallory. The SPSS application was used to examine the data calculation which included the Shapiro-Wilk, Levene, One-way ANOVA, and post hoc LSD tests. <b>Result:</b> Robusta coffee husk extract at doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kgBW showed increased fibroblasts and collagen density in Wistar rats induced by <i>P. gingivalis.</i> <b>Conclusion:</b> The most effective dose of robusta coffee husk extract is 250 mg/kgBW, with an average value of fibroblast number in a field of view is 37 cells, and the average of collagen density in the field of view is 163 pixels.