Evaluation of the inhibitory effect of triphala on PMN-type matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9)

Background: This study evaluated the inhibitory activity of triphala on PMN-type matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9) expressed in adult periodontitis patients and compared its activity with another ayurvedic drug, kamillosan, and doxycycline, which has known inhibitory activity. Methods: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were extracted from gingival tissue samples from 10 patients (six males, four females) with chronic periodontitis. Tissue extracts were treated with the drug solutions, the inhibition was analyzed by gelatin zymography, and the percentage of inhibition was determined by a gel documentation system. Results: The activity of MMPs was significantly decreased with the use of the drugs. Triphala showed a 76.6% reduction of MMP-9 activity, whereas kamillosan showed a 46.36% reduction at a concentration of 1,500 mu g/ml (crude extract) and doxycycline showed a 58.7% reduction at a concentration of 300 mu g/ml (pure drug). Conclusion: The present study showed the strong inhibitory activity of triphala on PMN-type MMPs involved in the extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation during periodontitis.