Evaluation of the Effect of Nigella Sativa Oil and Powder on Socket Healing Process

Back ground :  Today’s world is increasingly seeking ways to replace the synthetic drugs with the therapeutic power of natural products to decrease the percentage of many side effect which result from conventional treatment; one of these products was Nigella sativa (NgS) which was used so extensively that it became known as the seed of blessing “Habbatul Barakah” due to its powerful healing qualities for many ailments. Aim of the study : This study was performed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Nigella sativa (powder and oil) on the healing process of extracted teeth sockets. Materials and Methods: The sample of our study consist of twenty four healthy male New Zealand rabbits ,extracted their upper two central incisors under general anesthesia. The left side filled once with Nigella sativa powder and once with Nigella sativa oil material, and the right side left for normal healing as a control group. The two sockets were sutured. The results were studied radiographically and histologically after 1and 6 weeks postoperatively. The radiographic examination was performed by using parallel technique in a digital radiographic examination and histological examination was performed under light microscope for the section stained with heamatoxiline and eosin. Results: Radiographically we found that NgS powder showed more radiopacity with complete disappearance of lamina dura in 6 weeks duration compared with NgS oil and control groups, while histologically we found that the Nigella sativa (NgS)  groups (powder and oil) illustrate an early apposition of osteoid tissue in 1 st week duration with numerous osteoblast and osteocyte in comparison to control group. In six weeks duration well developed bone filled all the portions of the socket in treated socket with NS powder with obvious complete epithelization of socket surface Conclusion : Nigella sativa (powder or oil) seems to be bioactive materials that enhance differentiation and proliferation of progenitor cells to  specialized bone formative cells, with no signs of inflammation. Key words: Nigella Sativa,Socket healing,Repaired bone,Bone cells