Osaka, Japan — Compounds derived from citrus and coconut may offer a promising new way to combat oral diseases, especially in vulnerable populations like children and the elderly, according to recent research by Osaka Metropolitan University.
Periodontal disease, a common inflammatory condition caused by infections from periodontal pathogenic bacteria, poses significant risks not only to oral health but also to overall well-being. While effective oral care is crucial for preventing these infections, many commercial hygiene products contain harsh disinfectants, making them unsuitable for use by young children and older adults who are more prone to these diseases.
In search of a more user-friendly and effective antibacterial agent, Professor Shigeki Kamitani and his team from the Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology at Osaka Metropolitan University conducted a study to assess the antibacterial properties of seven different compounds. Among the tested compounds, Prunin laurate (Pru-C12) and its analogs were evaluated for their efficacy against Porphyromonas gingivalis, a key bacterium responsible for periodontal disease.
The study revealed that several compounds could inhibit bacterial growth, but Pru-C12, which can be sourced from biomass such as citrus plants and coconut, demonstrated the strongest antimicrobial effect.
“Pru-C12 is both tasteless and hypoallergenic,” Professor Kamitani explained. “If future studies confirm its safety in humans, it could serve as an affordable and effective antimicrobial agent.”
These groundbreaking findings were published in the journal Foods.
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