These compounds present in certain fruits, 7 documented here, including citrus fruits and coconuts,
rich in prunin laurate (Pru-C12) could thus offer a natural solution against oral diseases, including periodontal disease, an inflammatory disease caused by a pathogenic periodontal bacterial infection which affects oral health but also systemic health. Good oral hygiene is essential to preventing these diseases, but most over-the-counter oral care products are actually disinfectants which can be very irritating. These products are not recommended in particular for young children and the elderly.
A natural antibacterial, safe and easy to use
Lead author Professor Shigeki Kamitani from the Graduate School of Osaka University and his team document here the antibacterial effect of 7 different compounds found in certain fruits. The team is testing one of them, which seems very effective, prunin laurate (Pru-C12) against the periodontal pathogenic bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis.
These in vitro experiments demonstrate that while several of the compounds inhibited bacterial growth, Pru-C12, derived directly from certain citrus and coconut components, exerted the highest antimicrobial effect.
“Pru-C12 is tasteless and hypoallergenic”add the researchers.
Provided that its safety is confirmed in humans, it could constitute the basis of a natural, inexpensive antimicrobial solution suitable for everyone.
