Efek Aplikasi Hidrogel Ekstrak Andaliman (Zanthoxylum Acanthopodium Dc) 25% Terhadap Ekspresi OPG dan RANKL pada Tikus Wistar dengan Periodontitis

Abstract

Background: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the supporting tissues of the teeth and can lead to alveolar bone destruction through the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway. Andaliman (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC) possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, making it a promising natural agent for periodontal therapy. Objective: To evaluate the effect of 25% andaliman extract hydrogel application on the expression of OPG and RANKL in Wistar rats with periodontitis. Methods:This in vivo experimental study used a post-test only control group design involving 18 male Wistar rats divided into three groups: treatment group (25% andaliman hydrogel), positive control group (metronidazole gel), and negative control group (placebo hydrogel). Observations were made on day 7 and day 14. Periodontitis was induced via ligature placement and inoculation with Porphyromonas gingivalis. The expression of Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa-Β Ligand (RANKL) was analyzed using immunohistochemical staining (IHC) and assessed using the Immunoreactive Score (IRS). Results: Application of 25% andaliman hydrogel resulted in decreased pocket depth and bleeding on probing index compared to the negative control group. Histological evaluation showed that the hydrogel significantly increased OPG expression and decreased RANKL expression on both day 7 and day 14 (p<0.05) compared to the negative control. The RANKL/OPG ratio was significantly reduced in the treatment group, indicating inhibition of osteoclastogenesis activity. Conclusion: The 25% andaliman extract hydrogel is effective in inhibiting osteoclastogenesis by increasing OPG expression and reducing RANKL expression. Andaliman demonstrates potential as a natural alternative in local drug delivery-based periodontal therapy.