Modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines by Melaleuca leucadendron (L.) gel in oral wound healing: An in vivo study

Mechanical trauma and denture use mucosal ulcerations are common in the elderly population and are sustained by persistent pro-inflammatory cytokine activity. Melaleuca leucadendron (L.) contains bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, potentially acting through the modulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling and suppression of mediators such as Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α). This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of 0.7 % Melaleuca leucadendron (L.) extract gel in a rat model.

Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to control and treatment groups (n = 14/group). Standardized traumatic ulcers were induced on the lateral side of the tongue. The treatment group received topical application of 0.7 % Melaleuca leucadendron (L.) gel twice daily for seven days. Ulcer tissues were collected daily from two animals per group for cytokine analysis using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Statistical analyses were performed using independent-samples t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis with calculation of the Area Under the Curve (AUC).

Melaleuca leucadendron (L.) gel significantly reduced IL-1β and IL-6 expression compared to the controls, with strong discriminatory capacity reflected in ROC-AUC values of 0.95 and 0.889, respectively (P < 0.05). TNF-α levels also decreased, although its ROC -AUC indicated a more limited discriminatory ability. The gel also exhibited favorable physicochemical properties, including viscosity, spreadability, and homogeneity.

Melaleuca leucadendron (L.) gel effectively attenuates pro-inflammatory cytokine activity and may be a promising phytotherapeutic intervention for oral mucosal inflammation.