Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity of natural products in periodontal disease: a comprehensive review

Patent Mining on the Use of Antioxidant Phytochemicals in the Technological Development for the Prevention and Treatment of Periodontitis

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition characterized by an aberrant immune response against a dysbiotic dental biofilm, with oxidative stress performing an essential role in its pathogenesis. This paper presents a patent mining, performed in the Orbit Intelligence patent database, related to antioxidant phytochemicals in the technological developments that are working to prevent and treat periodontal disease. To access the documents, the descriptors "PERIODONTAL" and "ANTIOXIDANT" were typed in the title, abstract, and claim search fields. A total of 322 patents demonstrate the growing interest in researching natural antioxidants for scientific and technological purposes. The top ten countries regarding the number of family patents produced were the United States, the European Office, Japan, South Korea, China, India, Mexico, Denmark, Canada, and Great Britain. The most cited compounds were vitamin C, green tea, quercetin, melatonin, lycopene, resveratrol, and curcumin. These compounds have been used for the technological development of gels, membranes, dentifrices, chewing gum, orally disintegrating film, mouthwash, mouth spray, and mouth massage cream and exhibit the ability to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, a critical factor in the development and progression of periodontal diseases. The patent documents have shown that using antioxidant compounds in conjunction with traditional periodontal treatments is a promising area of interest in periodontal therapy.

Bioactive materials from berberine-treated human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells promote alveolar bone regeneration by regulating macrophage polarization

Alveolar bone regeneration has been strongly linked to macrophage polarization. M1 macrophages aggravate alveolar bone loss, whereas M2 macrophages reverse this process. Berberine (BBR), a natural alkaloid isolated and refined from Chinese medicinal plants, has shown therapeutic effects in treating metabolic disorders. In this study, we first discovered that culture supernatant (CS) collected from BBR-treated human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (HBMSCs) ameliorated periodontal alveolar bone loss. CS from the BBR-treated HBMSCs contained bioactive materials that suppressed the M1 polarization and induced the M2 polarization of macrophages in vivo and in vitro. To clarify the underlying mechanism, the bioactive materials were applied to different animal models. We discovered macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), which regulates macrophage polarization and promotes bone formation, a key macromolecule in the CS. Injection of pure M-CSF attenuated experimental periodontal alveolar bone loss in rats. Colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) inhibitor or anti-human M-CSF (M-CSF neutralizing antibody, Nab) abolished the therapeutic effects of the CS of BBR-treated HBMSCs. Moreover, AKT phosphorylation in macrophages was activated by the CS, and the AKT activator reversed the negative effect of the CSF1R inhibitor or Nab. These results suggest that the CS of BBR-treated HBMSCs modulates macrophage polarization via the M-CSF/AKT axis. Further studies also showed that CS of BBR-treated HBMSCs accelerated bone formation and M2 polarization in rat teeth extraction sockets. Overall, our findings established an essential role of BBR-treated HBMSCs CS and this might be the first report to show that the products of BBR-treated HBMSCs have active effects on alveolar bone regeneration.

Green tea and hyaluronic acid gel enhance fibroblast activation and improves the gingival healing post-third molar extraction

This study evaluates the effects of a green tea (Camellia sinensis) and hyaluronic acid gel on fibroblast activity and alveolar bone repair following third molar extractions. By examining the gene expression related to cell survival, proliferation, and angiogenesis, the study bridges in vitro findings with clinical outcomes in a split-mouth randomized trial. Human fibroblasts were exposed to the treatment gel, analysing gene expression through RT-qPCR. Twenty participants undergoing bilateral third molar extractions received the test gel on one side and a placebo on the other. Assessments included patient-reported outcomes, professional evaluations, and radiographic analyses at multiple postoperative intervals. The test gel significantly enhanced AKT, CDKs, and VEGF gene expressions, indicating a positive effect on angiogenesis and cell proliferation. Clinically, it resulted in reduced exudate, swelling, and secondary interventions, with radiographs showing improved alveolar bone density after 90 days. The green tea and hyaluronic acid gel significantly improves soft tissue and bone healing post-extraction, offering a promising adjunctive therapy for enhancing postoperative recovery. This gel represents a novel adjuvant treatment option for facilitating improved healing outcomes after third molar extractions, highlighting its potential utility in clinical dental practice.

Ameliorative Effect of Ginsenoside Rg6 in Periodontal Tissue Inflammation and Recovering Damaged Alveolar Bone

Periodontal disease is a chronic disease with a high prevalence, and in order to secure natural materials to prevent oral diseases, new materials that protect periodontal tissue from inflammation are being sought. Genes were identified using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and proteins were confirmed using Western blot. Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) analysis was used, and the antibacterial effects were confirmed through Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) analysis. To confirm this effect in vivo, Sprague-Dawley rats, in which periodontitis was induced using ligation or Lipopolysaccharide of Porphyromonas gingivalis (PG-LPS), were used. In vitro experiments using human periodontal ligament (HPDL) cells stimulated with PG-LPS showed that Ginsenoside Rg6 (G-Rg6) had anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and osteoblast differentiation properties. In vivo, G-Rg6 was effective in Sprague-Dawley rats in which periodontitis was induced using ligation or PG-LPS. Therefore, Ginsenoside Rg6 shows potential effectiveness in alleviating periodontitis.

Metronidazole-loaded polydopamine nanomedicine with antioxidant and antibacterial bioactivity for periodontitis

Aim: This study focused on treating periodontitis with bacterial infection and local over accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Materials & methods: Polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA NPs) were exploited as efficient carriers for encapsulated metronidazole (MNZ). The therapeutic efficacy and biocompatibility of PDA@MNZ NPs were investigated through both in vitro and in vivo studies. Results: The nanodrug PDA@MNZ NPs were successfully fabricated, with well-defined physicochemical characteristics. In vitro, the PDA@MNZ NPs effectively eliminated intracellular reactive oxygen species and inhibited the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis. Moreover, the PDA@MNZ NPs exhibited synergistic therapy for periodontitisin in vivo. Conclusion: PDA@MNZ NPs were confirmed with exceptional antimicrobial and antioxidant functions, offering a promising avenue for synergistic therapy in periodontitis.