Effect of Virgin Coconut Oil and Propolis Against Methotrexate Toxic Effect on Submandibular Salivary Glands in Albino Rats

Document Type : Original articles

Authors

1 Oral Biology, Dentistry, British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt

2 Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Ain shams university, cairo, Egypt

3 Oral Biology, Faculty of dentistry, Suez canal university, Ismailia, Egypt

4 Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Suez canal University, Ismailia, Egypt

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of virgin coconut oil (VCO) and propolis against toxicity induced by methotrexate (MTX) on submandibular salivary glands.
Materials and Methods: Fifty rats were randomly and equally divided into five groups (n=10), Group 1 (Control): Rats received saline by oral gavage for 17 days. Group 2 (MTX): Rats were injected intraperitoneally (Ip) with MTX (20 mg/kg) on day 14 only. Group 3 (Propolis and MTX): Rats were administered propolis by oral gavage at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day for 17 days and injected (Ip) with MTX (20 mg/kg) on day 14. Group 4 (VCO and MTX): Rats were administered VCO by oral gavage at a dose of 5 ml/kg body weight for 17 days, with MTX (20 mg/kg) injected (Ip) on day 14. Group 5 (VCO, Propolis, and MTX): Rats received propolis (100 mg/kg/day) and VCO (5 ml/kg) for 17 days, with MTX (20 mg/kg) injected (Ip) on day 14.
Results: The study demonstrated that propolis and VCO effectively mitigate MTX-induced cytotoxicity in submandibular glands at both histological and ultrastructural levels. Propolis preserved gland structure and reduced caspase-3 immunoexpression, while VCO improved gland architecture and blood vessel integrity, significantly reducing caspase-3 levels. The combination of both agents provided substantial protective effects, resembling the control group.
Conclusion: This study highlighted the protective effects of VCO and propolis against MTX-induced cytotoxicity in submandibular glands, suggesting their potential as adjunctive therapies in chemotherapy, potentially reducing salivary gland dysfunction and improving patient quality of life.

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