Abstract

Objective:
This study was carried out to observe the morphological changes in healing of oral mucosal ulcers in experimental animals by applying coconut milk.
Methodology:
This experimental study was spanned over one month. It was carried out at animal experimental lab of University of Health Sciences Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 30 rabbits were divided into 2 groups (Group A & B, control & experimental respectively). Oral ulcers were induced in all the rabbits by using 4mm diameter punch biopsy apparatus through standard protocol. Normal healing in Control group was compared with the healing effects of medicament (coconut milk) which was applied topically thrice daily for fourteen days in Experimental group. Biopsies from both the groups were taken on 1, 4th ,7th and 14th day to see gross morphological as well as histological changes.
Results:
Effects of coconut milk on healing of oral ulcers in experimental group, showed a sharp contrast with that of control group (p=0.001) especially on day 7th where maximum healing was induced by coconut milk.
Conclusions:
Coconut milk enhanced the healing of oral ulcers. Coconut milk has proved far superior healing effects on oral mucosa and therefore recommended as a natural healing medicament to be used as an alternate ulcer healing agent which is easily available, safe and inexpensive.

Key words: Coconut milk, healing medicament, histopathology, oral ulcer