Evaluation of Saussurea costus Nanoparticles in the Treatment of Periodontitis: Impact on NF-κB and TNF-α Expression

Objectives Porphyromonas gingivalis is a major contributing pathogen in periodontitis and triggers an inflammatory response that leads to tissue damage, primarily through the activation of proinflammatory cytokines such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Saussurea costus, a medicinal plant known for its anti-inflammatory properties, offers a potential alternative to prevent inflammation. This study explores the effects of S. costus nanoparticles on inflammation in periodontitis, specifically examining their ability to reduce the expression of NF-κB and TNF-α. Materials and Methods Twenty male Wistar rats were injected with P. gingivalis into the central incisor region of the mandible to induce periodontitis. The rats were then treated with S. costus nanoparticles, alongside a control group. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to assess the expression of NF-κB and TNF-α at two time points: 2 and 5 days posttreatment. Bone and lower anterior gingival sulcus tissues were analyzed for immunohistochemical expression of these markers. Statistical Analysis Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests. Results Treatment with S. costus nanoparticles resulted in significantly lower expressions of NF-κB and TNF-α compared with the control group at both 2 and 5 days posttreatment (p < 0.05). Conclusion The S. costus nanoparticles effectively reduced NF-κB and TNF-α expression in periodontitis, with a more pronounced effect observed on day 5 compared with day 2, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent in managing periodontal inflammation.