effect of eucommia ulmoides on healing of bon defect using histological and histomorphometric analysis in rat: in vivo study

Bone repair is a complex multistep process. the flavonoid group present in eucommia ulmoides (eu) helps to increase bone mineral density. this study aimed to evaluate the healing process of bone defects treated with eu and compare it to the control group using histological and histomorphometric tests. for this purpose, 24 albino rats were anesthetized and both of their femurs were prepared by drilling intra-bony defects (2 mm in diameter and 3 mm in depth). in each rat, the right bony defects were considered control, while the left bony defects were treated with eu. moreover, scarification was done with 1-, 2-, and 4-week healing intervals (n=8). histological and histomorphometric analysis of bone microarchitectures were performed for more evaluations and the bone cells were counted (osteoblast, osteocyte, and osteoclast) for comparison with the normal percentages. moreover, trabecular number, trabecular area, and bone marrow area per mm2 were measured using the imagej software. the recorded histological data revealed the acceleration of bone healing in the eu group, compared to the control group. highly significant differences were observed in the animals treated with eu, compared to the control group for almost all histomorphometric parameters investigated in this study. in conclusion, eu can improve bone healing and increase osteogenic capacity in rats.