Expression of fibroblast growth factor-β and transforming growth factor-β in mauli banana stem (Musa acuminate) extract gel - treated traumatic ulcer

Purpose: To investigate the effect of mauli banana (Musa acuminate) stem topical gel extract application on the expression of transforming growth factor - β (TGF - β) and fibroblast growth factor-β (FGF-β) during the healing process in traumatic oral ulcers. Methods: The work represented a true experimental study incorporating a post test - only control group design. Four groups of male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegivus) (n = 20) with traumatic oral ulcers were given mauli banana stem extract gel of varying concentrations the negative control group: 0 %; treatment group I: 25 %; treatment group II: 37.5 %; and treatment group III: 50 %. The animals were subsequently sacrificed prior to conducting biopsy on day 5. Immunohistochemical staining was performed in order to analyze the degree of FGF-β and TGF–β expressions. Results: TGF–β was strongly expressed in treatment group II (16.80 ± 1.30). TGF-β expression was significantly different, except between treatment groups II and III (Table 2). FGF-β was strongly expressed in treatment group II (15.60 ± 3.97). There was significant difference in FGF-β expression between all the groups with the exception of treatment groups I and III. Conclusion: Topical application of mauli banana stem extract gel (37.5 % concentration) stimulates FGF-β and TGF-β expression on day 5 of traumatic oral ulcer healing process. Thus, the extract gel has potentials for clinical application for the therapy of traumatic oral ulcers.