Effect of Capparis spinosa extract on sutural ossification: A stereological study

• This is the first study to present data indicating that CSE improves new bone formation in the midpalatal suture in rats.
• Systematic use of CSE may accelerate bone formation at the expanded suture in rats.
• This study is the first to report effects of CS intake on bone formation with the stereological method.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of systemically administered Capparis spinosa extract (CSE) on expanded sutures in rats via three dimensionally morphometric method (stereological method).Materials and methodsThirty-two Wistar rats were used. Subjects were divided into four groups, each with eight rats. Orthopaedic expansion force was applied for 5 days to maxillary incisors by attaching springs. Control-1 and CSE-1 waited 1 week for consolidation, and Control-2 and CSE-2 waited 2 weeks for consolidation. After the consolidation period, the subjects were sacrificed. Stereological examination was performed to determine the volume and area of new bone, connective tissue, and capillaries.ResultsNew bone area, new bone volume, connective tissue space, and connective tissue volume were statistically different in CSE-1 compared to Control-1. But there were no statistically difference between CSE-2 and Control_2. In terms of the volume of blood vessels and vascular area, there were no statistically significant differences when comparing Groups CSE-1 and Control-1 or CSE-2 and Control-2.ConclusionSystemic use of CSE accelerated fastened osteoblastic activity in the early period.