A nonirritating, antibacterial solution to prevent oral inflammation may be found in the chemical compounds derived from citrus and coconut. Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition caused by pathogenic bacteria that affects both oral and overall health.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for prevention. However, many over-the-counter oral care products are disinfectants that can be irritating. This makes them unsuitable for young children and the elderly, who are more vulnerable to periodontal disease.
To identify an effective and user-friendly antibacterial solution for all ages, Professor Shigeki Kamitani from Osaka Metropolitan University’s Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology led a research team to investigate the antibacterial properties of seven different compounds.
They specifically tested prunin laurate (Pru-C12) and its analogs against the periodontal pathogenic bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis.
The research results indicated that while several compounds inhibited bacterial growth, Pru-C12, which can be sourced from biomass such as citrus plants and coconut components, exhibited the highest antimicrobial effect.
“Pru-C12 is tasteless and hypoallergenic,” stated Professor Kamitani.
“If its safety in humans is confirmed in the future, it could serve as an inexpensive antimicrobial solution.”