Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of herbal extracts on bone regeneration. Two known samples were screened. Materials and Methods: We previously established a rat calvaria defect model using a combination of collagen scaffold and herbal extracts. An 8mm diameter trephine bur with a low-speed dental hand piece was used to create a circular calvaria defect. The experimental group was divided into4 classifications: control, collagen matrix, Danshen with collagen, and Ge Gan with collagen. Animals in each group were sacrificed at 4, 6, 8, and 10weeks after surgery, and bone regeneration ability was evaluated by histological examination. Results: Results revealed that both Danshen and Ge Gan extracts increased bone formation activity when used with collagen matrix. All groupsshowed almost the same histological findings until 6 weeks. However, after 6 weeks, bone formation activity proceeded differently in each group. Inthe experimental groups, new bone formation activity was found continuously up to 10 weeks. In the Danshen and Ge Gan groups, grafted materialswere still present until 10 weeks after treatment, as evidenced by foreign body reactions showing multinucleated giant cells in chronic inflammatoryvascular connective tissue. Conclusion: Histological analyses showed that Danshen and Ge Gan extractions increased bone formation activity when used in conjunction withcollagen matrix.