Immunohistopathologic evaluation of Drynaria fortunei rhizome extract in the management of Class II furcation defects in a canine model

Background Management of furcation defects is still a challenging subject in periodontal therapy. Drynaria fortunei (Df) is a common type of traditional Chinese herb in the area of orthopedics and traumatology. In vitro and tissue engineering studies have shown that Df induces osteoblastic proliferation and promotes the differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells. This study investigated the management of Class II furcation defects in dogs using guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and Df granules mixed with β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐ TCP) alloplast. Methods Sixteen Class II critical‐sized furcation defects were surgically created in four mongrel dogs: Eight defects were treated with GTR and Df granules mixed with (β‐TCP) alloplast served as the experimental group, while the other eight were managed with GTR and alloplast, served as control. Dogs were sacrificed at 4 and 8 weeks and the premolars were processed for the evaluation of treatment outcome including; osteoblastic count (OC), cementum layer thickness (CLT), percentage of collagen in bone matrix (CBM), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) immunoreaction. Results Experimental group treated with Df showed a significant increase (P