Natural compound from common plants emerges as effective weapon against widespread gum disease

A natural compound from common plants is emerging as an effective weapon against widespread gum disease

Researchers have developed a fine powder of morin, a natural compound found in guava leaves, apple peels and other plants, which effectively fights the bacteria responsible for gum disease.

The key breakthrough is a controlled release system that encapsulates morin in a powder, allowing it to adhere to teeth and gums and release its benefits over time, overcoming the washing-off effect of saliva.

This research addresses the urgent need for new treatments for gingivitis, an acute gum disease that is the sixth most common chronic disease worldwide and affects billions of people.

The treatment aims to be a natural, inexpensive and accessible alternative to antibiotics and other products that can have side effects such as tooth staining, with a particular focus on helping vulnerable populations such as the elderly.

While initial laboratory tests show the powder successfully disrupts harmful bacterial biofilms, more research, including clinical trials in animals and humans, is needed before it becomes a widely available treatment.

Brazilian researchers have revealed a promising natural weapon in the global battle against gum disease. A fine powder derived from morin, a compound found in guava leaves, apple peels, figs, almonds and some teas, has shown a powerful ability to combat the destructive bacteria responsible for gum disease.

This innovation, developed at the Araraqura School of Dentistry at São Paulo State University, offers a potential alternative to antibiotics and could revolutionize non-surgical treatments for a condition that affects billions around the world. Research published in Oral Biology Archives, It represents a critical step towards harnessing nature’s pharmacy to treat a widespread human disease. The study was conducted by doctoral researcher Luciana Solera Sales under the supervision of Professor Fernanda Lourenço Brigente. The team’s work indicates a growing trend in medical science to look beyond conventional treatments, which are often chemical-based, and explore sustainable, holistic solutions derived from the natural world.

Gum disease, which begins with the buildup of bacterial plaque on the teeth, is a silent epidemic. In its acute form, known as gingivitis, it is the sixth most common chronic disease worldwide. What begins as minor bleeding in the gums can develop into painful inflammation, tissue damage, and eventually tooth loss. According to amazing 2022 data from Global Health OrganizationNearly half of the world’s population—about 3.5 billion people—suffers from some form of oral disease, with gum disease being a major contributor.

Harnessing the power of nature

Researchers have turned to morain for its proven biological properties. Morin is a flavonoid, a class of natural compounds known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The scientific team has documented that this specific flavonoid possesses powerful antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities directly against the complex bacterial communities that form destructive biofilms on patients’ gums. Professor Brighenti emphasized that morin was chosen not only for its effectiveness but because it is natural, inexpensive and easily accessible, making it an ideal candidate for large-scale public health applications.

However, simply eating an apple or drinking tea containing morin is not enough to achieve a therapeutic effect. The main innovation lies in the processing and delivery of the compound. The research group has developed a specialized platform to encapsulate murine in a controlled release system using polymers such as sodium alginate and gellan gum. This process transforms the material into a fine, milk powder-like consistency using spray drying technology, the same method used to produce powdered milk.

This engineered powder is designed to adhere to oral surfaces, overcoming a major obstacle in oral care: saliva. On average, the human mouth produces one milliliter of saliva every minute, which quickly removes most substances. This new platform allows morin to adhere to teeth and gums, gradually releasing its beneficial compounds over time. This controlled release maximizes the effect of the treatment while helping to manage the stability and potential toxicity of the substance.

Focus on accessibility and need

The primary motivation behind the project is to help vulnerable populations. The researchers envision this powder being incorporated into several oral hygiene products that could serve as an aid or even an alternative to traditional brushing for individuals with low motor skills. This includes the elderly and patients with special needs who may find it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene, making them particularly vulnerable to gum disease.

“Proper oral hygiene is the first line of defense for maintaining fresh breath. It involves the continuous and thorough removal of food particles and plaque from the teeth and gums,” he said. Brighteon.AIEnoch. “This daily practice is a key factor in preventing the bacteria that cause bad breath.”

The team also aims to provide a better alternative to current market products, which often come with unwanted side effects such as altered taste, increased tartar buildup and tooth staining with prolonged use. By creating a more user-friendly and effective product, researchers hope to improve patient compliance and outcomes.

While in vitro results are promising, with morin treatment shown to effectively disrupt multi-species bacterial biofilms, the research is far from complete. The next critical steps include testing the compound’s efficacy and safety in animal models, followed by clinical studies in human patients. Researchers are also curious to study potential additional benefits. They observed that biofilms treated with morin powder appeared less stained, suggesting a potential advantage in preventing tooth discoloration, a common complaint with other antimicrobial treatments.

In a world grappling with antibiotic resistance and the side effects of synthetic drugs, exploring plant compounds like morin offers a hopeful path forward. The work of these Brazilian scientists highlights a vital truth: sometimes, the most advanced medical discoveries are not found in a chemist’s laboratory, but in the humble leaves and peels of nature itself.

Watch and Find out what your gums really say about your health.

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(Tags for translation) Alternative medicine