Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42313465›Full record

ArticleTheScientificWorldJournal2026

Enhancing Histological Visualization of Tooth and Bone Ground Sections Using Terminalia chebula Stain: A Comparative Analysis.

Sangeetha Ramu, Yashika S Shinde, Vidyadevi Chandavarkar

Abstract readComparative Study
In one paragraph

Article in TheScientificWorldJournal, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

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1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Sangeetha RamuDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Dayananda Sagar College of Dental Sciences, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bengaluru, India, rguhs.ac.in.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6308-289X
Yashika S ShindeDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Dayananda Sagar College of Dental Sciences, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bengaluru, India, rguhs.ac.in.
Vidyadevi ChandavarkarDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Oral Microbiology, School of Dental Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India, sharda.ac.in.

Funding

Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences UG23DEN227
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundVisualization of mineralized tissues such as tooth and bone in ground sections is widely used for histological studies. However, unstained ground sections often provide limited contrast and obscure microscopic details. Natural plant-based stains have been explored as cost-effective and safer alternatives to synthetic dyes. Terminalia chebula, rich in tannins and polyphenolic compounds, has shown potential staining affinity for hard tissues.

objectivesThe aim of this study is to evaluate the staining efficacy of T. chebula on ground sections of tooth and bone by comparing stained and unstained sections, and to assess contrast, structural detail, and observer acceptance under stereomicroscope and compound microscope.

methodsForty extracted normal teeth and 40 bone samples from human skulls were prepared into thin ground sections (~50 μm). Each section was initially observed unstained (Group 2) and then stained with T. chebula extract for 4 h (Group 1). Photomicrographs were taken under both microscopes and evaluated by blinded oral pathologists and students for contrast, structural detail, and acceptance using standardized grading and scoring systems.

resultsT. chebula staining significantly improved contrast in tooth sections under both stereomicroscope and compound microscope (p < 0.001). Enhanced visualization of enamel rods, dentinal tubules, and cementum was observed. Bone sections demonstrated improvement in contrast under stereomicroscopy; however, under compound microscopy, unstained bone sections showed relatively higher Grade 1 contrast. Improvements in structural detail were more pronounced in tooth sections than bone sections. Observer acceptance was significantly higher for stained tooth sections (p < 0.001), whereas moderate but significant improvement was noted for bone sections.

conclusionT. chebula stain enhances contrast and improves visualization of microstructural features in tooth ground sections, supporting its potential as an effective and economical adjunct for teaching and research in dental histology. Further studies are required to optimize staining protocols and to evaluate its broader applicability, particularly in bone specimens.

Indexed as

Bone and BonesColoring AgentsStaining and LabelingTerminaliaToothHumansPlant ExtractsColoring AgentsPlant Extractsbone histologyground sectionnatural stainTerminalia chebulatooth histology

Identifiers

PMID42313465
PMCPMC13277765

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