POMEGRANATE RIND EXTRACT WITH ZN (II) COMBINATION AS A NEW THERAPEUTIC AGENT FOR ORAL CARE PRODUCTS

Abstract

Periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, are amongst the most common diseases affecting most of the population and have been highly associated with dental plaque. The main strategy to prevent periodontal diseases is through control of dental plaque via physical and chemical methods. However, currently used anti-plaque agents have adverse effects such as tooth staining and taste alteration. Whilst increased antimicrobial resistance is another issue in the management of periodontal diseases. Therefore, the discovery of new alternative treatment agents is necessary. Pomegranate rind extract (PRE) is a well-established folkloric medicine and abundant with hydrolysable tannins, especially punicalagin, with beneficial health properties. More recently, addition of Zn (II) to PRE exerted a synergistic antimicrobial activity against microbes, including some bacteria and viruses [1-2]. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate potential use of PRE, Zn (II) and PRE/Zn (II) in relation to treating oral diseases. PRE (1-8 mg/mL), Zn (II) (0.39-6.25 mM) and PRE/Zn (II) demonstrated a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity in planktonic and biofilm conditions against oral microbes. These agents also exhibited anti-adhesive properties by reducing attachment of S. gordonii, S. mutans and C. albicans to glass surfaces. Synergistic antimicrobial activity for PRE/Zn (II) was found against S. gordonii and C. albicans, it was associated with an increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) level which can be active against C. albicans [3]. This work has provided a basis for using PRE and PRE/Zn (II) as a novel therapeutic system for periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Moreover, PRE and PRE/Zn (II) could be developed as cost-effective products with potential for improving oral health globally.