Assessment of the viability of human periodontal ligament cells in black tea, lime juice, and passion fruit concentrate – A comparative in vitro study

BACKGROUND: Tooth avulsion is considered as a severe form of dental trauma, causing damage to the periodontium. Hence, the preservation of healthy periodontal ligament (PDL) cells in the storage medium are pivotal for the success of replantation. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the viability of human PDL cells in black tea, lime juice, and passion fruit concentrate. METHODS: Human periodontal cells were cultured and stored in three experimental media – black tea, lime juice, and passion fruit concentrate and subjected to 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay for 1 h and the cell viability was determined. Mean and standard deviation were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance to identify the significant groups. RESULTS: The human PDL cells showed 100% viability in lime juice and passion fruit concentrate, followed by 98% viability in black tea. CONCLUSION: Black tea, lime juice, and passion fruit concentrate can be used effectively as storage media for maintaining PDL cells viability in avulsed teeth, with 100% viability exhibited by lime juice and passion fruit concentrate.