EVALUATION OF PSIDIUM GUAJAVA LEAF EXTRACT AS MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASE-9 INHIBITOR FOR ENHANCED DENTIN PRESERVATION IN COMPOSITE RESTORATIONS: AN IN-VITRO STUDY

Abstract

The bond strength at the dentin adhesive interface diminishes over time due to hydrolytic degradation of dentin collagen which weakens the interface stability. Inhibiting collagen degrading enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases MMPs particularly MMP 9 can enhance bond durability by protecting collagen fibers within the adhesive layer thus prolonging the lifespan of the restoration. Psidium guajava extract has anti inflammatory properties but its role as an MMP 9 inhibitor is yet to be explored. This study examines the inhibitory effect of Psidium guajava extract on MMP 9 activity to enhance the longevity of composite restorations. Dried Psidium guajava leaves were used to prepare an ethanol extract. Fifteen freshly extracted teeth were collected and stored at 4 degrees Celsius. Human dentin samples were demineralized with 10 percent phosphoric acid and treated with 2 percent chlorhexidine positive control Psidium guajava extract at 100 µg and Psidium guajava extract at 200 µg. The enzymatic activity was measured using ELISA with absorbance values recorded and statistical analysis conducted using ANOVA and post hoc tests. Sample size was determined based on previous in vitro studies evaluating dentin MMP activity. The control group showed MMP 9 activity at 106.5 pg mL. Psidium guajava extract at 100 µg reduced MMP 9 activity by 16.61 percent to 87.4 pg mL. The 200 µg dose further reduced MMP 9 activity by 36.2 percent to 68.2 pg mL. The p value was less than 0.05 indicating statistical significance. This reflects the differences in MMP activity due to the treatments applied. The study demonstrates that Psidium guajava is an effective MMP 9 inhibitor in human dentin exhibiting a dose dependent reduction in MMP 9 activity. These findings suggest that Psidium guajava extract could be a natural therapeutic agent in dental restorations to prevent collagen degradation.