Plant Polyphenols and Their Anti-Cariogenic Properties: A Review

Abstract

Polyphenols constitute one of the most common groups of substances in plants. Polyphenolic compounds have been reported to have a wide range of biological activities, many of which are related to their conventional antioxidant action; however, increasing scientific knowledge has highlighted their potential activity in preventing oral disease, including the prevention of tooth decay. The aim of this review is to show the emerging findings on the anti-cariogenic properties of polyphenols, which have been obtained from several in vitro studies investigating the effects of these bioactive molecules against Streptococcus mutans, as well as in vivo studies. The analysis of the literature supports the anti-bacterial role of polyphenols on cariogenic streptococci, suggesting (1) a direct effect against S. mutans; (2) an interaction with microbial membrane proteins inhibiting the adherence of bacterial cells to the tooth surface; and (3) the inhibition of glucosyl transferase and amylase. However, more studies, particularly in vivo and in situ, are necessary to establish conclusive evidence for the effectiveness and the clinical applications of these compounds in the prevention of dental caries. It is essential to better determine the nature and distribution of these compounds in our diet and to identify which of the hundreds of existing polyphenols are likely to provide the greatest effects.

Helichrysum italicum: From traditional use to scientific data

“…italicum ethanolic extract, since several members of this class of compounds exhibit anti-cariogenic activities against this microorganism (Ferrazzano et al, 2011). Micrococcus luteus Methanol 50 Pg.mL -1 (Tundis et al, 2005) Staphylococcus aureus Essential oil 5 PL.mL -1 (Mastelic et al, 2005) Diethyl ether 125-500 Pg.mL -1 (Nostro et al, 2001) Streptococcus mutans Ethanol 62.50 Pg.mL -1 (Nostro et al, 2004) Figure 2 …”

Effect of Encapsulation on Antimicrobial Activity of Herbal Extracts with Lysozyme

“…Several thousand plant polyphenols are known, encompassing a wide variety of molecules that contain at least one aromatic ring with one or more hydroxyl groups in addition to other substituents. They have antioxidant, anticancer and anti--infl ammatory eff ects (3). The activity of polyphenols from medicinal plants against a wide range of microorganisms has been extensively investigated.…”

The economic potential of beach-cast seagrass – Cymodocea nodosa: a promising renewable source of chicoric acid

“…Phenolic acids are generally obtained from terrestrial plants, e.g., fruits, vegetables, and various medicinal plants, in which they occur in different concentrations and play several important functions (antibacterial, anticariogenic;Ferrazzano et al 2011). However, the identification of novel sources of phenolic acids has become of scientific and economic interest, and marine ecosystems can offer a great potential in this field (e.g., Guinea et al 2012).…”