Effects of Mauli Banana Stem Extract, Alone or Combined with Calcium Hydroxide, on DMP-1 Expression and Dentin Bridge Thickness After Direct Pulp Capping in Rat Molars

To evaluate the effects of Mauli banana stem extract (MBSE), used alone or in combination with calcium hydroxide, on DMP-1 expression and dentin bridge thickness following direct pulp capping in rat molars. This study used a post-test control group experimental design involving mechanically exposed maxillary first molars in Wistar rats. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into eight groups (n = 5 per group), with one maxillary first molar treated in each animal. MBSE (Musa acuminata) was obtained through 70% ethanol maceration, concentrated by rotary evaporation, and prepared as a 50% extract. The exposed molars were treated with propylene glycol (control), calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2], 50% MBSE, or a combination of MBSE and Ca(OH)2. The animals were euthanized at 14 and 28 days posttreatment. Dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP-1) expression was assessed by immunohistochemically, and dentin bridge thickness was quantified from hematoxylin–eosin–stained sections using Image Raster software. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by the least significant difference post-hoc test, with significance set at p <0.05. DMP-1 expression increased significantly across all experimental groups at both 14 and 28 days (p < 0.05), with the highest expression observed in the MBSE group at day 28. A time-dependent increase in dentin bridge thickness was also observed, with the MBSE and MBSE + Ca(OH)2 groups showing greater thickness than the Ca(OH)2 group. Nevertheless, dentin bridge thickness did not differ significantly between the MBSE and MBSE + Ca(OH)2 groups at day 28 (p > 0.05). MBSE, alone and in combination with calcium hydroxide, promoted reparative responses following direct pulp capping. The combination group showed enhanced mineralization-related activity and dentin bridge formation, whereas MBSE alone also demonstrated promising bioactive potential. Additional studies incorporating early inflammatory time points and complementary outcome measures are warranted.