DT News - UK - Natural plant chemicals could help fight tooth decay

Dental Tribune International

Tue. 26 May 2015

save

EDINBURGH, UK: A study by researchers at the University of Edinburgh has shown that a natural chemical related to those found in liquorice root could help prevent tooth decay. The plant product acts against harmful mouth bacteria and could improve oral health if added to oral care products by helping to prevent the build-up of plaque, the researchers said.

The biological compound, which is similar to chemicals found in liquorice root, is known as trans-chalcone. The British study found that it blocks the action of a key enzyme that allows bacteria to thrive in oral cavities.

The bacteria—Streptococcus mutans—metabolise sugars from food and drink, producing a mild acid and leading to the formation of plaque. Without good dental hygiene, the combination of plaque and mouth acid can lead to tooth decay.

The researchers found that blocking the activity of the enzyme prevents bacteria forming a protective biological layer (a biofilm) around themselves. Plaque is formed when bacteria attach themselves to teeth and construct biofilms. Preventing the assembly of these protective layers would help stop bacteria forming plaque, the research team said.

The team worked out the 3-D structure of the enzyme, called Sortase A, that allows the bacteria to form biofilms. By doing this, the researchers were able to identify how trans-chalcone prevents the enzyme from functioning.

Their study is the first to show how trans-chalcone prevents bacteria from forming biofilms. Oral care products that contain similar natural compounds could help people improve their dental hygiene, the researchers stated. “This exciting discovery highlights the potential of this class of natural products in food and healthcare technologies,” emphasised Dr Dominic Campopiano from the University of Edinburgh’s School of Chemistry, who led the study.

“We were delighted to observe that trans-chalcone inhibited Sortase A in a test tube and stopped Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation. We are expanding our study to include similar natural products and investigate if they can be incorporated into consumer products,” Campopiano said.

The study, titled “Molecular basis of Streptococcus mutans Sortase A inhibition by the flavonoid natural product trans-chalcone”, was published online in the Chemical Communications journal on 18 May.

To post a reply please login or register

Study finds chewing gum could help fight dental caries

LONDON, UK: Though the relative benefits of chewing gum are often subject to debate, a number of studies have shown that the sugar-free varieties can ...

Billions to suffer from untreated tooth decay

LONDON, UK: Despite worldwide efforts to improve oral health, a global study has found that 35 per cent of the world’s population currently suffer ...

Dental teams could help detect undiagnosed diabetes in patients

BIRMINGHAM, England: Diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions in Europe and is strongly associated with periodontitis. An estimated one in ...

Toothpaste ingredient triclosan may help fight drug-resistant malaria

MANCHESTER/CAMBRIDGE, UK: Over half a million deaths per year result from malaria, caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, and with increasing ...

Study finds acupuncture could help with dental anxiety

YORK, UK: Fear of the dentist is something some people suffer from more than others. With multiple reasons for dental anxiety and its effects, there is ...

Award-winning seaweed drug helps fight disease

CARDIFF, UK: Together with Norwegian biopharmaceutical company AlgiPharma, researchers at Cardiff University have been working on new drugs to combat ...

Diet and status are to blame for tooth decay in children

EDINBURGH & GLASGOW, UK: Brushing twice a day is usually considered the most effective measure to maintain oral health in children. New research in ...

Breath test could help detect stomach and oesophageal cancer

LONDON, UK/AMSTERDAM, Netherlands: A test that measures the levels of five chemicals in the breath has shown promising results for the detection of cancers ...