Evaluation of in vitro effect of Morus rubra (red mulberry) on survival of periodontal ligament cells

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the ability of the juice of Morus rubra fruit to serve as a temporary storage medium for the maintenance of periodontal ligament (PDL) cell viability of avulsed teeth.Study designPDL cells were obtained from healthy third molars and cultured in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium (DMEM). Cultures were subjected to 4.0%, 2.5%, 1.5%, and 0.5% of the juice of M. rubra fruit, Hank’s balanced salt solution (HBSS), phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and tap water. Tissue culture plates were incubated with experimental media at 37°C for 1, 3, 6, 12, or 24 hours. PDL cell viability was assessed by trypan blue exclusion. Statistical analysis of the data was accomplished using 1-way analysis of variance complemented by the Tukey test. The level of significance was 5% (P < .05).ResultsThe efficacy of 4.0% and 2.5% M. rubra at 3, 6, and 12 hours was found to be significantly better than HBSS (P < .05). At 24 hours, 4% M. rubra was found to be similar to HBSS, but 2.5% M. rubra was found to be significantly worse than HBSS (P < .005). The results showed that juice of the fruit sample of M. rubra studied at a concentration of 4% was a more effective storage medium than other groups.ConclusionJuice of the fruit of M. rubra can be recommended as a suitable transport medium for avulsed teeth.