Cyanidin-3-Glucoside Supplementation Modulates Bone Resorption in Experimental Apical Periodontitis

Apical periodontitis (AP) is an inflammatory/infectious disease that leads to alveolar bone resorption. Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) is an anthocyanin known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and bone metabolism-regulating properties, suggesting benefits during AP development. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of C3G supplementation on bone resorption and inflammation during the progression of AP in Wistar rats. Sixteen male albino Wistar rats were divided into two groups: a control group (C) that received potable water, and a treatment group (C3G) that received a C3G solution. Supplements were administered daily via oral gavage for 45 days. AP was induced in both groups on Day 15, and it was allowed to develop for 30 days. After the experimental period, the animals were euthanized, and the upper and lower jaws were collected to assess lesion volume, bone microstructure, the intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate, and the expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10, the RANKL/OPG ratio, and TRAP immunolabeling at the AP site. Statistical analysis was performed with a 5% significance level. Compared to controls, C3G-treated rats exhibited reduced lesion volume, increased bone volume fraction and trabecular thickness, lower RANKL/OPG ratio, and fewer TRAP-positive cells/mm (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in inflammatory infiltrate or cytokine expression (IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10) at the lesion site (p > 0.05). C3G supplementation modulated bone resorption by reducing lesion volume and osteoclast activity, while enhancing bone microstructural parameters, without significantly affecting local inflammatory markers.