Investigation of histopathological and immunohistochemical effects of Okra seed (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) extract, Capsaicin (Capsicum annuum L.) and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) material in pulpotomy treatment of rat teeth

In this study, histopathological and immunohistochemical effects of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) seed extract, capsaicin (Capsicum annuum L.) and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) material were comparatively evaluated in pulpotomy procedures performed on rat teeth. The aim was to reveal the effects of alternative materials of biological origin on pulp tissue regeneration compared to MTA, which is widely used in clinical practice, and to support the biocompatibility of these materials with scientific data. In the study, a total of 36 Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 3 groups and standardized pulpotomy procedures were applied to the maxillary first molar teeth. After applying okra seed extract, capsaicin and MTA material to the teeth, they were covered with restorative material.The animals were routinely fed and followed up for 28 days, then sacrificed and the relevant tissues were evaluated for histological and immunohistochemical examinations. In histopathological evaluation, the level of inflammation, dentin bridge formation, edema, vascularization and hemorrhage were examined. In immunohistochemical analysis, immunohistochemical localizations of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-α), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Proliferative Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) were examined. In histopathological evaluation, the MTA group stood out with low inflammation, adequate vascularization and significant hard tissue formation. Although edema and hemorrhage levels were high in the okra seed extract group, a certain level of hard tissue formation was observed. In the capsaicin group, the highest inflammatory cell infiltration was observed, and positive hard tissue formation was also detected. In immunohistochemical analyses, TNF-α and IL-6 expression was significantly increased in the MTA and capsaicin groups, while VEGF levels were higher in the control groups. PCNA expression was found to be high in the okra extract group, and when this increase was evaluated together with inflammation, it was thought that it could indicate pathological proliferative responses. Although PCNA expression was higher in the capsaicin group compared to MTA, it resulted in lower intensity compared to okra seed. As a result, MTA was determined to be the material that provides the most balanced and healing effect on the pulp tissue after pulpotomy. Although the regenerative effects of okra seed extract and capsaicin are limited, their ability to create a certain level of hard tissue formation necessitates re-evaluation of these agents at lower doses or with combined use. While MTA continues to be the gold standard, such studies on natural agents may pave the way for innovative approaches in the field of biomaterial development.