Plant Exosome Injections in Tongue Wounds: A Comparative Histological and Immunohistochemical Experimental Study

Tongue tip wounds are challenging due to mechanical stress, vascularity, and microbial exposure. Although the 450-nm diode laser allows precise, minimally invasive incisions, strategies to enhance healing remain limited. Exosomes, nanoscale extracellular vesicles, have emerged as potent acellular mediators of tissue regeneration. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the histological and immunohistochemical effects of 2 commercial plant derived exosome formulations, Exoline and Glow, on the healing of 450-nm diode laser-induced incisions at the tongue tip in a rabbit model.

A total of 108 New Zealand rabbits were randomized into 3 groups (control, Exoline, Glow; n = 36 each). Standardized linear incisions were created at the tongue tip with a 450-nm diode laser, followed by immediate injection of the assigned treatment at the wound site. Animals were euthanized at baseline, day 3, and day 7 (n = 12 per group per time point). Biopsies were analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson trichrome staining to assess inflammation, epithelial regeneration, and collagen deposition, as well as CD31 immunohistochemistry to evaluate neovascularization.

Both plant-derived exosome formulations accelerated healing compared with controls. By day 7, Exoline-treated wounds exhibited significantly reduced inflammatory infiltrate, denser and more organized collagen bundles, more complete epithelial regeneration, and higher CD31 expression indicating enhanced angiogenesis compared with Glow.

Plant-derived exosomes enhance healing of diode laser-induced tongue tip wounds, with Exoline producing superior histological and angiogenic outcomes. These results highlight Exoline's potential as an adjunctive therapy for functional oral soft tissue regeneration.