Efficacy of medicinal plant extracts as dental and periodontal antibiofilm agents: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Teucrium polium L. Extracts for Dental Caries: Green Extraction Techniques and Bioactive Compounds

Dental caries is a highly prevalent chronic condition globally. In recent years, scientists have turned to natural compounds such as plant extracts as an alternative to address concerns related to biofilm-mediated disease transmission, increasing bacterial resistance, and the adverse impacts of antibiotics. Consequently, this study investigated the antimicrobial properties of ethanolic, hydroethanolic, and aqueous extracts of Teucrium polium L. (T. polium), which belongs to the Lamiaceae family, at different concentrations (0.1, 1, 10, 100, 500, 1000 ppm) against seven bacteria commonly associated with dental decay. The hydroethanolic extract demonstrated the highest efficacy against S. mutans (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 1.24 mg/mL), while the ethanolic extract exhibited the most potent activity against S. sanguinis (MIC = 1.55 mg/mL). For S. sobrinus, the ethanolic extract was the most effective (MIC = 1.52 mg/mL), whereas the hydromethanolic extract displayed the highest efficacy against S. salivarius (MIC = 1.52 mg/mL). S. aureus was most susceptible to the ethanolic extract (MIC = 1.9 mg/mL), whereas the aqueous extract demonstrated the strongest antimicrobial effect against S. epidermidis (MIC = 2.03 mg/mL). Finally, the ethanolic extract exhibited the maximum efficacy against L. fermentum (MIC = 1.36 mg/mL). Overall, the ethanolic extract demonstrated the highest efficacy against all tested bacteria, followed by the hydroethanolic extract, while the aqueous extract showed comparatively lower effectiveness. Therefore, depending on the specific target bacteria, it is suggested to combine the antibacterial extract of T. polium with the most effective solvent to effectively combat the bacteria responsible for dental decay. The study found that mouthwashes containing ethanolic and hydroethanolic extracts, at a concentration of 2.44 mg/L, effectively inhibited the growth of all oral bacteria contributing to dental caries. Future research should explore T. polium extracts' mechanisms of action against oral pathogens, their practical applications, and their efficacy against conventional treatments, paving the way for innovative dental therapies.

Perinatal depression and its associated risk factors during the COVID-19 pandemic in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Perinatal depression significantly impacts maternal and child health, with further complexities arising during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review is the first to comprehensively synthesize evidence on the prevalence of perinatal depression and its associated risk factors in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) during the pandemic period.

METHODS

The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022326991). This review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guideline for prevalence studies. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in six databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and ProQuest. Pooled prevalence estimates were computed for both prenatal and postnatal depression. Identified risk factors were summarized narratively.

RESULTS

A total of 5169 studies were screened, out of which 58 were included in the narrative review and 48 [prenatal (n = 36) and postnatal (n = 17)] were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled depression prevalence for prenatal women was 23% (95% CI: 19-27%), and for the postnatal women was 23% (95% CI: 18-30%). Maternal age, education, perceived fear of COVID-19 infection, week of pregnancy, pregnancy complications, and social and family support were identified as associated risk factors for depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our review demonstrates an increased prevalence of perinatal depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in LMICs. It sheds light on the significant burden faced by pregnant and postnatal women and emphasizes the necessity for targeted interventions during the ongoing and potential future crisis.

Advances in hybridized nanoarchitectures for improved oro-dental health

On a global note, oral health plays a critical role in improving the overall human health. In this vein, dental-related issues with dentin exposure often facilitate the risk of developing various oral-related diseases in gums and teeth. Several oral-based ailments include gums-associated (gingivitis or periodontitis), tooth-based (dental caries, root infection, enamel erosion, and edentulous or total tooth loss), as well as miscellaneous diseases in the buccal or oral cavity (bad breath, mouth sores, and oral cancer). Although established conventional treatment modalities have been available to improve oral health, these therapeutic options suffer from several limitations, such as fail to eradicate bacterial biofilms, deprived regeneration of dental pulp cells, and poor remineralization of teeth, resulting in dental emergencies. To this end, the advent of nanotechnology has resulted in the development of various innovative nanoarchitectured composites from diverse sources. This review presents a comprehensive overview of different nanoarchitectured composites for improving overall oral health. Initially, we emphasize various oral-related diseases, providing detailed pathological circumstances and their effects on human health along with deficiencies of the conventional therapeutic modalities. Further, the importance of various nanostructured components is emphasized, highlighting their predominant actions in solving crucial dental issues, such as anti-bacterial, remineralization, and tissue regeneration abilities. In addition to an emphasis on the synthesis of different nanostructures, various nano-therapeutic solutions from diverse sources are discussed, including natural (plant, animal, and marine)-based components and other synthetic (organic- and inorganic-) architectures, as well as their composites for improving oral health. Finally, we summarize the article with an interesting outlook on overcoming the challenges of translating these innovative platforms to clinics.

The oral microbiota and periodontal health in orthodontic patients

The oral microbiota develops within the first 2 years of childhood and becomes distinct from the parents by 4 years-of-age. The oral microbiota plays an important role in the overall health/symbiosis of the individual. Deviations from the state of symbiosis leads to dysbiosis and an increased risk of pathogenicity. Deviations can occur not only from daily life activities but also from orthodontic interventions. Orthodontic appliances are formed from a variety of biomaterials. Once inserted, they serve as a breeding ground for microbial attachment, not only from new surface areas and crevices but also from material physicochemical interactions different than in the symbiotic state. Individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment show, compared with untreated people, qualitative and quantitative differences in activity within the oral microbiota, induced by increased retention of supra- and subgingival microbial plaque throughout the treatment period. These changes are at the root of the main undesirable effects, such as gingivitis, white spot lesions (WSL), and more severe caries lesions. Notably, the oral microbiota profile in the first weeks of orthodontic intervention might be a valuable indicator to predict and identify higher-risk individuals with respect to periodontal health and caries risk within an otherwise healthy population. Antimicrobial coatings have been used to dissuade microbes from adhering to the biomaterial; however, they disrupt the host microbiota, and several bacterial strains have become resistant. Smart biomaterials that can reduce the antimicrobial load preventing microbial adhesion to orthodontic appliances have shown promising results, but their complexity has kept many solutions from reaching the clinic. 3D printing technology provides opportunities for complex chemical syntheses to be performed uniformly, reducing the cost of producing smart biomaterials giving hope that they may reach the clinic in the near future. The purpose of this review is to emphasize the importance of the oral microbiota during orthodontic therapy and to use innovative technologies to better maintain its healthy balance during surgical procedures.

A breakthrough in periodontitis treatment: Revealing the pharmacodynamic substances and mechanisms of Kouqiangjie formula

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

Periodontitis, a complex inflammatory disease, significantly affects people's lives. Traditional Chinese multi-herbal formulas, composed of various herbs, exhibit their therapeutic efficacy holistically. Kouqiangjie Formula (KQJF), comprising 12 herbs including Rhizoma smilacis glabrae, Polygonatum sibiricum Delar. ex Redoute, Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz, etc., has been clinically proven to effectively treat periodontitis. However, the potential active substances conferring these effects and their mechanisms of action remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The current investigation endeavours to utilize Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), network pharmacology, and in vivo animal experiment confirmation to explore the plausible bioactive compounds and operational mechanisms underpinning KQJF's therapeutic impact on periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technique, we deciphered the chemical constituents of KQJF. Network pharmacology was employed to earmark key bioactive elements, forecast principal targets, and operational pathways which were later substantiated through molecular docking. Experimental validations were carried out in a periodontitis animal model using a range of techniques, including micro-CT, H&E staining, qRT-PCR, and protein blotting procedures, providing comprehensive verification of our initial assumptions.

RESULTS

Utilizing UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, we characterized 87 individual chemical constituents in KQJF. Network pharmacology revealed that 14 components, including senkyunolide A, glycycoumarin, licoflavonol, glycyrin, senkyunolide I, and senkyunolide H, form the key therapeutic basis of KQJF in targeting periodontitis. Significant targets and pathways were discerned as AKT1, MMP9, JUN, PTGS2, CASP3, TLR4, IL1β, BCL2, PPARG, and pathways such as the TNF signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, osteoclast differentiation, and Wnt signaling pathway. Molecular docking demonstrated robust binding activity between these crucial targets and the key active ingredients. In vivo experimentation corroborated that, compared with the model group, KQJF significantly ameliorated symptoms and micro-CT imaging parameters of periodontitis in the rat model, down-regulating the expression of AKT1, MMP9, JUN, PTGS2, CASP3, TLR4, and IL1β, while up-regulating the expression of BCL2 and PPARG.

CONCLUSION

In summary, this study has pioneered a comprehensive exploration of the potential therapeutic constituents, targets, and mechanisms of KQJF for periodontitis treatment, adopting a synergistic strategy of "chemical component analysis-network pharmacology screening-in vivo animal experiment validation". This provides experimental evidence for the clinical application of KQJF and further in-depth research. Additionally, it presents an effective strategy for the research of other Chinese herbal formulations.

Investigation of Epilobium hirsutum L. Optimized Extract's Anti-Inflammatory and Antitumor Potential

Epilobium hirsutum L., commonly known as hairy willowherb, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia. In Romania, the Epilobium genus includes 17 species that are used in folk medicine for various purposes. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antitumor potential of the optimized extract of Epilobium hirsutum (EH) in animal models. The first study investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of EH optimized extract and the model used was carrageenan-induced paw inflammation. Wistar rats were divided into three groups: negative control, positive control treated with indomethacin, and a group treated with the extract. Oxidative stress markers, cytokine levels, and protein expressions were assessed. The extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties comparable to those of the control group. In the second study, the antitumor effects of the extract were assessed using the tumor model of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma. Swiss albino mice with Ehrlich ascites were divided into four groups: negative, positive treated with cyclophosphamide (Cph), Group 3 treated with Cph and EH optimized extract, and Group 4 treated with extract alone. Samples from the ascites fluid, liver, and heart were analyzed to evaluate oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer markers. The extract showed a reduction in tumor-associated inflammation and oxidative stress. Overall, the EH optimized extract exhibited promising anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects in the animal models studied. These findings suggest its potential as a natural adjuvant therapeutic agent for addressing inflammation and oxidative stress induced by different pathologies.

Effects of hypochlorous acid mouthwash on salivary bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus in patients with periodontal disease: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The effects of a low concentration of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) mouthwash on salivary bacteria remained unclear. We aimed to evaluate the antibacterial effects of 100 ppm HOCl mouthwash on salivary bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), in patients with periodontal disease (PD).

METHODS

Patients with PD were randomized into mouthwash-only (MW, n = 26) and mouthwash with periodontal flosser (MWPF, n = 27) groups. Patients without PD were selected for the control group (n = 30). S. aureus culture and saliva samples (before and after the intervention) were collected for bacterial DNA extraction. A real-time polymerase chain reaction assay and serial dilutions of S. aureus culture and saliva samples were used to measure the salivary bacteria total count (SBTC) and confirm the antibacterial effects of the mouthwash using S. aureus.

RESULTS

No significant difference in demographic data was observed among the three groups. Before the intervention, the baseline SBTC of the MW and MWPF groups was significantly higher than that of the control group. After the mouthwash rinses, the SBTC data significantly changed in the MW and MWPF groups only (by 62.4% and 77.4%, respectively). After the base-2 log-transformation of the SBTC data, a similar trend was observed. Linear regression revealed that baseline SBTC and the MWPF intervention significantly affected SBTC reduction percentage by volume. After incubation with 10% (v/v) of mouthwash, the survival rates of 106 and 107 colony-forming units/mL of S. aureus were 0.51% ± 0.06% and 1.42% ± 0.37%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These study results indicated that 100 ppm HOCl mouthwash treatment could effectively reduce SBTC in patients with PD and the abundance of S. aureus. It provides that the HOCl mouthwash can be an option for individuals to help control SBTC, especially in patients with PD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital (KMUHIRB-F(I)-20200042) on 20/03/2020 and retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT05372835) on 13/05/2022.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Blended Essential Oil and Chlorhexidine against Periodontal Pathogen (P.gingivalis)-An In Vitro Study

Background

Essential oils (EOs) have a considerable amount of therapeutic and preventive effect in treating dental diseases due to their wider potential as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents. EOs like virgin coconut oil, eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil thyme oil, and clove oil, when used in combination, may further have enhanced antimicrobial effects. However, limited information exists on the synergistic effect of these oils when used in combination, especially on the primary periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Aim

The current study aims to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of commercially available EO on the periodontal pathogen, P. gingivalis, in comparison to chlorhexidine (CHX).

Materials and Methods

Antimicrobial efficacy of EO and CHX was assessed at various concentrations against the periodontal pathogen P. gingivalis, by evaluating the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC).

Results

P. gingivalis was seen to be sensitive at a MIC of 100 μg/ml and 50 μg/ml concentration of the EO, which is regarded as the MIC of EO against P. gingivalis and CHX effectively inhibited microbial growth at 0.4 μg/ml.

Conclusion

A combination of EOs possesses a potent antibacterial activity against P. gingivalis, and the antibacterial efficacy increases with increasing concentration of EOs.

Oral biosciences: The annual review 2022

BACKGROUND

The Journal of Oral Biosciences is devoted to advancing and disseminating fundamental knowledge concerning every aspect of oral biosciences.

HIGHLIGHT

This review features review articles in the fields of "Bone Cell Biology," "Tooth Development & Regeneration," "Tooth Bleaching," "Adipokines," "Milk Thistle," "Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition," "Periodontitis," "Diagnosis," "Salivary Glands," "Tooth Root," "Exosome," "New Perspectives of Tooth Identification," "Dental Pulp," and "Saliva" in addition to the review articles by the winner of the "Lion Dental Research Award" ("Plastic changes in nociceptive pathways contributing to persistent orofacial pain") presented by the Japanese Association for Oral Biology.

CONCLUSION

The review articles in the Journal of Oral Biosciences have inspired its readers to broaden their knowledge about various aspects of oral biosciences. The current editorial review introduces these exciting review articles.

Bacterial resistance to antiseptics used in dentistry: A systematic scoping review of randomized clinical trials

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the prevalence and proportions of bacteria resistant to antiseptics used in dentistry.

METHODS

A review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews involving different databases. MeSH terms and keywords were provided to examine only RCTs with antiseptic-resistant results.

RESULTS

Five RCTs were included. These investigations analysed 442 patients. Concerning the prevalence and proportion of species resistant to antiseptics, it was found that the chlorhexidine group showed a statistically significant increase in Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus counts indicating bacterial resistance (p < 0.001). Moreover, Veillonella species showed resistance to triclosan at the commencement and during the RCTs, and a slight increase in the proportion of resistant strains was observed. Porphyromonas gingivalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa did not show resistance to cetylpyridinium chloride. Similarly, it was no observed resistance to medicinal herbal plant formulations.

CONCLUSIONS

Resistance of S. mutans and L. acidophilus to chlorhexidine was observed, this resistance increased during the follow-up period. Similarly, although in a slight proportion, an increase in the resistance of Veillonella spp. to triclosan during the study period was also described. No microorganisms resistance was observed to any of the other antiseptics studied.

Toward the use ofBoesenbergia rotundaextracts and the chalcone panduratin A to treat periodontitis

Novel affordable medications are needed to treat chronic periodontitis, which is one of the most common dental pathologies worldwide. Extracts prepared from the rhizome of the medicinal plant Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf., commonly known as fingerroot, are used to treat a variety of human pathologies. These extracts contain potent anti-inflammatory compounds, including the chalcone derivative panduratin A (Pa-A), which is the lead compound of a series of analogues, designated panduratins A to Y. The anti-inflammatory properties of the extracts of B. rotunda and the most abundant bioactive products found in these extracts (including Pa-A, 4-hydroxyoanduratin, isopanduratin, and others) have been reviewed. A standardized extract of the plant has promising utility in the treatment of gingival inflammation. The effects are characterized by three actions: (i) a direct antimicrobial effect against fungi and oral pathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, (ii) a marked anti-inflammatory effect via a reduced production of mediators, like prostaglandin E2 and different interleukins, and (iii) a dual bone-preserving effect, with a reduction in bone resorption and an increase in bone formation. Acting as a protease inhibitor, Pa-A is one of the main active ingredients of the extract, implicated in these actions. A Pa-A-standardized extract of B. rotunda has been used in humans for treating dyspepsia. The product is safe and well-tolerated. The development of panduratin-containing dental products, for the prevention and treatment of periodontitis, has been proposed. The structural analogues, Pa-A to-Y, should also be investigated for the treatment of dental inflammation.

Nonsurgical Periodontal Treatment Options and Their Impact on Subgingival Microbiota

BACKGROUND

Different periodontal treatment methods (quadrant-wise debridement, scaling and root planing (Q-SRP), full-mouth scaling (FMS), full-mouth disinfection (FMD), and FMD with adjuvant erythritol air-polishing (FMDAP)) were applied in periodontitis patients (stage III/IV). The study objective (substudy of ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03509233) was to compare the impact of treatments on subgingival colonization.

METHODS

Forty patients were randomized to the treatment groups. Periodontal parameters and subgingival colonization were evaluated at baseline and 3 and 6 months after treatment.

RESULTS

Positive changes in clinical parameters were recorded in every treatment group during the 3-month follow-up period, but did not always continue. In three groups, specific bacteria decreased after 3 months; however, this was associated with a renewed increase after 6 months (FMS: Porphyromonas gingivalis; FMD: Eubacterium nodatum, Prevotella dentalis; and FMDAP: uncultured Prevotella sp.).

CONCLUSIONS

The benefit of all clinical treatments measured after 3 months was associated with a decrease in pathogenic bacteria in the FMS, FMD, and FMDAP groups. However, after 6 months, we observed further improvement or some stagnation in clinical outcomes accompanied by deterioration of the microbiological profile. Investigating the subgingival microbiota might help appraise successful periodontal treatment and implement individualized therapy.

Polyphenols of Antibacterial Potential - May They Help in Resolving Some Present Hurdles in Medicine?

The phenomenon of antibiotic resistance has been recognized as one of the greatest threats to humanity. Therefore, there is an enormous need to introduce new antibiotics to the medical practice that will effectively eradicate the resistant bacterial strains threatening human health and life. One solution currently being considered as an alternative to antibiotics involves secondary metabolites of plants that can be used in modern antibacterial therapy. Polyphenols represent a broad and diversified group of plant-derived aromatic compounds. Their antibacterial potential has been recognized via specific mechanisms of action, e.g., by inhibition of bacterial biofilm formation, through synergistic effects with the action of currently used antibiotics, and by inhibition of the activity of bacterial virulence factors.

Classic vs. Novel Antibacterial Approaches for Eradicating Dental Biofilm as Adjunct to Periodontal Debridement: An Evidence-Based Overview

Periodontitis is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory disease that affects tooth-supporting soft/hard tissues of the dentition. The dental plaque biofilm is considered as a primary etiological factor in susceptible patients; however, other factors contribute to progression, such as diabetes and smoking. Current management utilizes mechanical biofilm removal as the gold standard of treatment. Antibacterial agents might be indicated in certain conditions as an adjunct to this mechanical approach. However, in view of the growing concern about bacterial resistance, alternative approaches have been investigated. Currently, a range of antimicrobial agents and protocols have been used in clinical management, but these remain largely non-validated. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of adjunctive antibiotic use in periodontal management and to compare them to recently suggested alternatives. Evidence from in vitro, observational and clinical trial studies suggests efficacy in the use of adjunctive antimicrobials in patients with grade C periodontitis of young age or where the associated risk factors are inconsistent with the amount of bone loss present. Meanwhile, alternative approaches such as photodynamic therapy, bacteriophage therapy and probiotics showed limited supportive evidence, and more studies are warranted to validate their efficiency.