Assessing the Effect of Indigo Naturalis on Periodontal Ligament Fibroblast Viability: A Pilot In Vitro Study

This pilot investigation aimed to examine the impact of different concentrations of indigo naturalis on the cellular viability of human periodontal ligament fibroblast (hPDLF) cells. For experimental application on cells, indigo naturalis solutions were prepared at seven varying concentrations (0.025, 0.0375, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1, 0.1125 and 0.15 µg/mL) for the purpose of cellular treatment. To evaluate cell viability, cells were seeded in 96-well plates in triplicate for each concentration. Following a 24-hour treatment period with indigo naturalis, cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using SPSS software, with a P-value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. The MTT assay revealed no significant difference in the viability of hPDLF cells between the control group and the indigo naturalis-treated groups (P>0.05). While indigo naturalis did not affect cell viability in this study, it provides important insights into the interactions between herbal compounds and hPDLF cells. This study is limited by the use of a single assay and a 24-hour observation period, which may restrict the generalisability of the findings. Further research is needed to explore the molecular mechanisms behind these interactions, investigate potential synergistic effects, and evaluate longer-term impacts on periodontal conditions.