New! Sign up for our free email newsletter.
Science News
from research organizations

Protect your teeth with fruit: antimicrobial effects found in biomass compounds

A nonirritant, antibacterial solution to prevent oral inflammation may lie in citrus and coconut chemical compounds

Date:
August 28, 2024
Source:
Osaka Metropolitan University
Summary:
A research team has verified the antibacterial effect of seven food-derived flavonoids against periodontal pathogenic bacteria. The results showed that though several of the compounds inhibited bacterial growth, Pru-C12 had the highest antimicrobial effect.
Share:
FULL STORY

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease caused by a periodontal pathogenic bacteria infection that affects oral and internal health. Good oral care is essential for prevention, but most over-the-counter oral hygiene products are disinfectants that can be highly irritating. This makes them unsuitable for use by young children and the elderly, who are susceptible to periodontal disease.

To find an antibacterial that is easy to use and effective in preventing periodontal disease at all ages, Professor Shigeki Kamitani of Osaka Metropolitan University's Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology led a research team in verifying the antibacterial effect of seven different compounds. Prunin laurate (Pru-C12) and its analogs were tested against the periodontal pathogenic bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis.

The results showed that while several of the compounds inhibited bacterial growth, Pru-C12, which can be derived from biomass such as that of citrus plants and coconut-derived components, had the highest antimicrobial effect.

"Pru-C12 is tasteless and hypoallergenic," Professor Kamitani stated. "If its safety in humans is confirmed in the future, it could be an inexpensive antimicrobial solution."


Story Source:

Materials provided by Osaka Metropolitan University. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. Erika Wada, Chiharu Ito, Mai Shinohara, Satoshi Handa, Miki Maetani, Mayo Yasugi, Masami Miyake, Tatsuji Sakamoto, Ayaka Yazawa, Shigeki Kamitani. Prunin Laurate Derived from Natural Substances Shows Antibacterial Activity against the Periodontal Pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis. Foods, 2024; 13 (12): 1917 DOI: 10.3390/foods13121917

Cite This Page:

Osaka Metropolitan University. "Protect your teeth with fruit: antimicrobial effects found in biomass compounds." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 28 August 2024. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240828114424.htm>.
Osaka Metropolitan University. (2024, August 28). Protect your teeth with fruit: antimicrobial effects found in biomass compounds. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 20, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240828114424.htm
Osaka Metropolitan University. "Protect your teeth with fruit: antimicrobial effects found in biomass compounds." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240828114424.htm (accessed November 20, 2024).

Explore More

from ScienceDaily

RELATED STORIES