With the goal of finding an antibacterial that is easy to use and effective in preventing periodontal disease at all ages, researchers in Japan have verified the antibacterial effect of seven different compounds.
Prunin laurate (Pru-C12) and its analogs were tested against the periodontal pathogenic bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis.
The results by the team at Osaka Metropolitan University—and published in Foods—showed that while several of the compounds inhibited bacterial growth, Pru-C12, which can be derived from biomass such as that of citrus plants and coconut-derived components, had the highest antimicrobial effect.
“Pru-C12 is tasteless and hypoallergenic,” Professor Shigeki Kamitani stated.
“If its safety in humans is confirmed in the future, it could be an inexpensive antimicrobial solution.”
