IntroductionStem cells have unmatched capacity and potential for regeneration and when used alone or in combination with scaffolds to replace or repair damaged cells, can differentiate into any mature cell.AimTo evaluate the functional differentiation potential of EMD (Enamel Matrix Derivative), MTA (Mineral Trioxide Aggregate) and Biodentine on Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous teeth (SHED).ObjectiveTo determine functional differentiation potential (osteogenic/odontogenic) of various biomaterials on SHED.Material and methodSHED derived from 5th linear passage after sub-culturing were treated with EMD, MTA and Biodentine individually and their effect on cell viability was compared and evaluated by MTT (3-4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay for 7 days. Alizarin red S staining was used to assess mineralization potential of these materials by the staining calcium deposits for 14 days. The results were analyzed using One-way ANOVA, Post hoc Tukey’s test for multiple comparisons.ResultsIt was observed that EMD imparted the highest cell viability at the end of 7 days (p < 0.001) followed by Biodentine and MTA. Likewise EMD showed highest potential to enhanced mineralization and expression of dentine sialoprotein (p < 0.001) followed by Biodentine and MTA at the end of 14 days (p<0.001).ConclusionIt can be concluded that all the tested materials are bioinductive to SHED. EMD can be used for various vital pulp therapies as that of Biodentine and MTA with predictable as well as enhanced success rate.

Introduction: Curcumin, a component of turmeric ( Curcuma longa L.), is a molecule of multitude of medicinal properties. Although curcumin has found a place in the treatment of gingival and periodontal diseases, there are no reported cytotoxicity studies on the cells of clinical significance (i.e., periodontal ligament [PDL] fibroblasts). Aims: The objective of this research was to assess the in vitro cytotoxicity of curcumin against human PDL fibroblasts. Materials and Methods: Human PDL fibroblasts from premolar teeth were cultured and used for cytotoxicity tests from healthy children presented for orthodontic extractions. Test concentrations of curcumin (100%, 50%, and 25%) were prepared by diluting 95% curcumin with di‑methyl‑sulfoxide and added to 96‑well microtiter plate (in triplicate) containing the fibroblast culture (approximately 2 × 10 4 cells/well). Fibroblast cells without treatment (without curcumin) acted as a control group. The viability of cells after 48 h of incubation at 37°C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO 2 and 95% air was ascertained by the 3‑(4, 5‑dimethyl‑thiazol‑2‑yl)‑2, 5‑diphenyl‑tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The viability of PDL fibroblast cells of experimental wells was expressed relative to that of control, in terms of change in the color intensity. Absorbencies were recorded at 450 nm on a microplate reader with background subtraction at 620 nm. The cell viability at various concentrations of curcumin against the PDL fibroblasts was calculated as mean absorbance (optical density) and percentage values. Results: Cell viability of PDL fibroblasts to 100%, 50%, and 25% curcumin concentration was 111.75%, 112.50%, and 114.40%, respectively. Conclusions: No in vitro cytotoxicity was detected for curcumin against human PDL fibroblasts, at any of the concentrations used (100%, 50%, and 25%) by MTT assay at the end of 48 h.

A series of luminescent ruthenium(ii) polypyridyl complexes containing an extended aromatic moiety derived from triptycene and 1,10-phenanthroline were synthesized and their photophysical, theoretical, and biological properties were investigated.

Background: The main bacterial aetiological agents in caries formation are the α-haemolytic Streptococcal species Streptococcus mutans, which has been found to be the initiator of most dental caries. The leaves of Camellia sinensis known as green tea, has properties, such as antibacterial and anti-cariogenic. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) one of the most abundant catechins found in green tea is known to contribute to these effects. Aim: To evaluate the antibacterial effect of green tea catechins namely EGCG on S. mutans with two different methods at different concentrations. Objectives: 1) To assess the antimicrobial efficacy of EGCG by disc diffusion test at concentrations of 100, 75, and 50 μg/mL. 2) To assess the antimicrobial efficacy of EGCG by Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test at concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 100 μg/mL. Methodology: Commercially available purest form of green tea polyphenol EGCG was used in the study. Disc diffusion test on agar medium and MIC test was used to determine the susceptibility of the S. mutans to green tea catechins EGCG. Results: The results of the agar well diffusion method showed that the EGCG extract has shown zones of inhibition against S. mutans at concentrations of 100 μg/mL (28.67 mm), 75 μg/mL (15.33 mm), 50 μg/mL (10.33 mm) while that of MIC test of EGCG extract of concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 100 μg/mL against S. mutans shows that the mean MIC value was 1.07. Conclusion: Catechins in the tea are potentially anti-cariogenic agents which can reduce bacterial presence in the oral cavity and have the potential to be further used for the preparation of dentifrice and mouthwash.

Wheat Grass refers to the young grass of the common wheat plant, Triticum aestivum that is freshly juiced or dried into powder for animal and human consumption. Both provide chlorophyll, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and enzymes. Wheat grass is a humble weed known as the powerhouse of nutrients and vitamins for the human body. In the form of fresh juice, it has high concentrations of chlorophyll, active enzymes, vitamins and other nutrients. The present review article focuses onto the use of wheatgrass in various disease conditions. It has shown potential anti inflammatory, anti oxidant and anti ageing property Since very few clinical studies have been done on this very promising herbal drug, efforts are needed to conduct extensive studies on the wheat grass both in experimental models and human subjects to develop wheat grass therapy with no side effects in prevention, cure and management of chronic diseases for which our modern systems have lost their hopes.