Evaluation of plant and fungal extracts for their potential antigingivitis and anticaries activity.

• The link between diet and health has lead to the promotion of functional foods which can enhance health. In this study, the oral health benefits of a number of food homogenates and high molecular mass and low molecular mass fractions were investigated. A comprehensive range of assays were performed to assess the action of these foods on the development of gingivitis and caries using bacterial species associated with these diseases. Both antigingivitis and anticaries effects were investigated by assays examining the prevention of biofilm formation and coaggregation, disruption of preexisting biofilms, and the foods' antibacterial effects. Assays investigating interactions with gingival epithelial cells and cytokine production were carried out to assess the foods' anti- gingivitis properties. Anti-caries properties such as interactions with hydroxyapatite, disruption of signal transduction, and the inhibition of acid production were investigated. The mushroom and chicory homogenates and low molecular mass fractions show promise as anti-caries and anti-gingivitis agents, and further testing and clinical trials will need to be performed to evaluate their true effectiveness in humans.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Odontologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Dentistry (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Anti-Bacterial Agents

pharmacology

Bacteria

drug effects

Beer

Biofilms

drug effects

Cariostatic Agents

pharmacology

Cell Adhesion

drug effects

Cell Aggregation

drug effects

Cell Line

Chicory

chemistry

Cytokines

metabolism

Fruit

chemistry

Gingivitis

microbiology

Humans

Hydroxyapatites

Plant Extracts

pharmacology

Shiitake Mushrooms

chemistry

Signal Transduction

Tea

chemistry

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)