ABSTRACT
This study aimed to investigate the chemical characteristics and the effects of an orabase gel with Cashew Gum Polysaccharide (CG-P) from Anacardium occidentale L. on alveolar bone loss and relative mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1ß, RANK, RANKL, and OPG in the periodontal tissue of Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) subjected to ligature-induced periodontitis. Crude cashew gum was collected and purified by chemical processes; then, the CG-P was mixed with orabase gel. Female rats were randomly divided into four groups of six animals each: saline 0.9% (Sal Group); orabase gel (Gel Group); 50mg CG-P/1g orabase gel (CG-P50 Group) and 150mg CG-P/1g orabase gel (CG-P150 Group). Periodontitis was induced in the animals; they were treated for 20days with one daily topical application. The purification process of CG-P presented high yield and resulted in a protein-free product. The treatment with CG-P150 (150mg CG-P/1g orabase gel) significantly reduced alveolar bone loss, decreased the relative mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1ß, RANKL and the RANKL/OPG ratio, and caused a significant decrease in myeloperoxidase activity of the gingival tissue. Thus, the CG-P in orabase represents a potential adjuvant drug for the treatment of periodontitis and possible source of new biotechnological discoveries.
