Effect of Sentul (Sandoricum koetjape) Peel Extract Gel on Macrophage and Fibroblast Counts in Gingival Tissue of Rats with Gingivitis

Abstract

Gingivitis is an inflammatory condition of the gingiva characterized by swelling, redness, exudation, and altered gingival contour, typically arising from bacterial plaque accumulation that may harden into dental calculus. Macrophages and fibroblasts are key inflammatory cells involved in tissue destruction and repair. This study investigated the effect of a nanogel containing sentul (Sandoricum koetjape) peel extract on macrophage and fibroblast counts in a rat gingivitis model. Male Wistar rats (2–3 months; 200–250 g) were induced to develop gingivitis through repeated injections of a bacterial suspension (2.4 × 108 CFU/ml, 0.05 ml, three times daily for 14 days) into the buccal gingival sulcus of the lower right first molar. Data analyzed using ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test showed that the 2% sentul peel extract nanogel significantly reduced fibroblast counts (p = 0.015) but did not significantly decrease macrophage counts (p = 0.793) compared with the untreated group. The fibroblast reduction was comparable to the effect of 2% hexetidine as a positive control. The nanogel consisted of a 2% (w/w) aqueous fraction of S. koetjape peel extract incorporated into a 5% Na-CMC gel base. Its potential anti-inflammatory effect is supported by reported phytochemicals in S. koetjape such as flavonoids, limonoids, and triterpenoids known for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The plant is widely distributed across Maritime Southeast Asia, supporting its accessibility and traditional medicinal relevance. Overall, the 2% sentul peel extract nanogel shows promise as an adjunctive therapy for gingival inflammation through its significant modulation of fibroblast activity, although its limited effect on macrophage infiltration suggests the need for further molecular evaluation.