Casearia sylvestris Derivatives Inhibit Inflammation and Oxidative Activity and Promote Healing in Human Gingival Fibroblasts - An In Vitro Study.

PURPOSE: New promising adjuvant approaches for managing periodontal inflammation are emerging. Casearia sylvestris, a medicinal plant rich in diterpenes, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and reparative properties. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory, antiproteolytic, and pro-healing effects of C. sylvestris leaf derivatives: ethanolic extract (extract), diterpene-enriched fraction (F2), and isolated casearin J (Cas J) on human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). METHODS AND MATERIALS: HGF were exposed to Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and treated with C. sylvestris derivatives. Transcription and protein levels of TNF-α, IL-8, MMP-1, and iNOS were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and ELISA, respectively. Nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured using the Griess reaction. NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation and ERK1 phosphorylation were analysed by immunofluorescence and immunoassay, respectively. Cell viability and scratch wound-healing assays were also performed. RESULTS: E. coli LPS triggered a significant pro-inflammatory and proteolytic cellular response, characterised by increased TNF-α, IL-8, MMP-1, iNOS, and NO levels. Treatment with C. sylvestris derivatives significantly reduced the levels of these mediators, while also inhibiting NF-κB p65 translocation and ERK1 phosphorylation. All compounds were biocompatible and promoted cell migration and wound closure in vitro. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that C. sylvestris leaf derivatives exert anti-inflammatory, antiproteolytic, and pro-healing effects, thus highlighting their potential as adjunctive phytotherapeutic agents for periodontal disease management.