Eugenia uniflora Dentifrice for Treating Gingivitis in Children: Antibacterial Assay and Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

School-age children are frequently at high risk for the onset of biofilm-dependent conditions, including dental caries and periodontal diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a dentifrice containing Eugenia uniflora Linn. (Surinam cherry) extract versus a triclosan-based comparator in treating gingivitis in children aged 10-12 years. The in vitro antibacterial potential of the dentifrice was tested against oral pathogens (Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus oralis and Lactobacillus casei). Then a phase-II clinical trial was conducted with 50 subjects aged 10-12 years, with clinical signs of gingivitis. The subjects were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=25) and control group (n=25), in which participants used the experimental dentifrice and a triclosan-based fluoridated dentifrice (Colgate Total 12(r)), respectively. Clinical examinations assessed the presence of gingivitis (primary outcome) and biofilm accumulation (secondary outcome) using the Gingival-Bleeding Index (GBI) and Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S), respectively, at baseline and after seven days of tooth brushing 3x/day. The data were analyzed using paired and unpaired t-test (GBI) and Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney (OHI-S), with p≤0.05. The experimental dentifrice showed efficient antibacterial activity in vitro. In the clinical trial, a significant reduction in gingival bleeding was observed in both experimental and control groups (p<0.0001), with no statistical difference between them (p=0.178), although a small size effect was observed. Biofilm accumulation was only reduced in the control group (p=0.0039). In conclusion, E. uniflora dentifrice showed anti-gingivitis properties in children aged 10-12 years. Thus, it may be a potentially efficient and safe product to be used alternatively in preventive dental practice

Novel natural product‐based oral topical rinses and toothpastes to prevent periodontal diseases

“…After 7 days, no effect of the Eugenia uniflora toothpaste was observed on plaque levels, but a marked reduction in bleeding on probing was noted. This reduction was comparable with the reduction observed with the use of a tricoslan dentifrice . No adverse effects were reported, confirming the results of an in vitro study which showed that Eugenia uniflora is safe …”

“…Because of its adaptability to different weather and soil conditions, Eugenia uniflora , a plant belonging to the Myrtaceae family which is native to Brazil, today can be found all over South America . This plant is known by different names, of which the most common are pitange or Surinam cherry . For decades, its leaf extracts were used in traditional South American medicine for the treatment of digestive disorders and hypertension .…”

“…For decades, its leaf extracts were used in traditional South American medicine for the treatment of digestive disorders and hypertension . Next to the leaves, extracts from the fruits and stems are also used in medicines, based on their promising antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory activities . A randomized, controlled, clinical trial was conducted to test an Eugenia uniflora toothpaste in 50 children aged 10‐12 years with gingivitis.…”

Hydroalcoholic Extract of Eugenia uniflora as Denture Disinfectant: Antimicrobial Activity and Effect on the Physical Properties of Polymethylmethacrylate

“…uniflora has received attention as a potential phytomedicine by its adaptation capacity to different weather and soil conditions and its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. The addition of E. uniflora hydroalcoholic extract to an experimental dentifrice reduced gingivitis and confirmed the antimicrobial effect against oral pathogens [31]. In the experimental design proposed, the lowest concentration of E. uniflora was set to compare its effects with the concentration of the positive control.…”

Effects of Kangfuxin solution on IL‑1β, IL‑6, IL‑17 and TNF‑α in gingival crevicular fluid in patients with fixed orthodontic gingivitis

“…Numerous data indicate that in fixed orthodontic patients without gingivitis, the levels of inflammatory factors in gingival crevicular fluid are significantly decreased, and the higher the inflammatory level, the more severe the condition of gingivitis is ( 12 ). Fixed orthodontic patients with gingivitis generally manifest local gingival mucosal swelling, redness, increased skin temperature and bleeding, affecting the diet, and quality of life ( 13 ). However, if the treatment is not timely, it may develop into periodontitis, and bacteria may enter the body's blood circulation through the wound, leading to systemic inflammation, fever, and other organ infections ( 14 , 15 ).…”