Effects of systemic berberine administration on oral mucosal wound healing: Histopathological and biochemical evaluation in rats

Background: Berberine is one of the main alkaloids obtained from plants. Numerous experimental and clinical studies have shown that berberine has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the histopathological and biochemical effects of systemic berberine administration on wound healing in the oral mucosa of rats. Materials & methods: The study was conducted on 42 adult male Wistar Albino rats. The rats were randomly divided into two main groups: control and experimental. In both the experimental and control groups, a mucoperiosteal excisional wound defect with a diameter of 5 mm was created behind the rugae folds in the palatal region. Rats in the experimental group were administered berberine at a rate of 100 mg/kg/day via oral gavage. Control rats received saline. Serum cytokines were analyzed by ELISA. Wound areas dissected from surrounding tissues were histopathologically examined for ulceration, inflammatory cells, necrosis, vascularization, fibroblasts, and edema. Results: No significant differences between groups in serum cytokine levels. Histopathological examination of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, necrosis, vascularization, and fibroblast levels showed no statistically significant differences between groups on any of the study days. Ulceration was significantly lower in the experimental group on days 3 to 7. Mononuclear cells were significantly lower in the experimental group on day 3, and edema was significantly lower on day 7. Conclusion: Our study suggests that berberine may have potential positive effects on the early stages of wound healing in the oral mucosa. Further studies are needed to clarify its clinical potential.