A Potential Natural Alternative to Chlorhexidine Mouthwashes: an in Vivo Study in Rats

Background: In the Brazilian northeast region, the leaves of a plant scientifically known as Aristolochia cymbifera (A. cymbifera) are therapeutically used to treat different conditions, including fevers, ulcers and stomach disorders. Objective: To explore its effects in the oral cavity, this study aimed to evaluate the presence of morphological, cellular, and tissue modifications in the oral mucosa of rats treated with different A. cymbifera solutions. Materials and Methods: The rats were divided into 6 groups: Group 1 was treated with 0.3 ml of vehicle (DMSO and water); Group 2 treated with 0.3 ml of A. cymbifera-ethanolic extract 4mg/ml; Group 3 treated with 0.3 ml of A. cymbifera-hexane extract 4mg/ml; Group 4 treated with 0.3 ml of A. cymbifera-ethanolic extract 10mg/ml; Group 5 treated with 0.3 ml of A. cymbifera-hexane extract 10mg/ml; and Group 6 treated with 0.3 ml of chlorhexidine gluconate 0.12%. All groups were treated twice daily by applying the solutions into the oral cavity, over a total period of 24 days. To analyze cytotoxicity on cells, the micronucleus test was performed, and an additional histopathologic analysis was conducted in order to evaluate tissue changes such as inflammatory infiltration, desquamation, and degeneration of cells. Results: Results showed that the cytotoxicity of the A cymbifera -based solutions was similar to those of chlorhexidine, and all groups showed morphological characteristics of normal mucosa after treatments. Conclusion: It is concluded that no cytotoxicity was present after treatment with extracts of Aristolochia cymbifera, showing its potential for the development of future clinical trials.