A Study on the Effectiveness of Goji Berry Extract (Lycium barbarum L.) in Increasing Collagen Fiber Density Following Tooth Extraction in Wistar Rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Abstract

Background: Tooth extraction is among the most frequently executed dental treatments, which triggers a wound healing process involving inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling phases. Collagen density is a key parameter in assessing the quality of wound healing in post-extraction sockets. Goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.) possesses bioactive substances including Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP), flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and tannins that are known to promote fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis, making it a potential therapeutic agent in accelerating socket tissue healing. Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of Goji berry extract gel at concentrations of 15%, 30%, and 55% on collagen fiber density in Wistar rat sockets subsequent to dental extraction. Methods: This research was an in vivo laboratory experimental study, single blind, utilizing a post-test only control group design. Thirty male Wistar rats were separated into five groups: negative control, positive control (Povidone Iodine), and Goji berry extract gel at concentrations of 15%, 30%, and 55%. Gel was applied topically twice daily for 14 days. Tissue samples were collected on days 3, 5, 7, and 14 for histopathological examination using an inverted phase contrast microscope at 400x magnification. Data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA and Post-Hoc Duncan test. Results: Goji berry gel groups showed higher collagen density compared to both control groups across all observation days. Significant differences were found on days 5, 7, and 14 (p<0.05), with the 30% and 55% groups showing the highest collagen density values of 643.82 µm and 699.91 µm on day 14, respectively. Conclusion: Goji berry extract gel significantly increases collagen fiber density in Wistar rat sockets after tooth extraction, with 55% as the optimal concentration.