title: The inhibitory effect of a fermented papaya preparation on growth, hydrophobicity, and acid production of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus: its implications in oral health improvement of diabetics.
abstract: Fermented papaya preparation (FPP) is a "natural health product." The high incidence of dental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral microbial infection cases among patients with diabetes mellitus continues to prevail. The potential role of FPP against common oral microbiota (Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus) isolated from the human oral cavity was investigated using in vitro simulation models of dental plaque and caries. FPP showed an inhibitory effect against the growth (at 0.05 mg/mL: S. mutans: -6.9%; S. mitis: -4.47%, P < 0.05), acid production (at 0.05 mg/mL: S. mutans: +6.38%; L. acidophilus: +2.25%), and hydrophobicity (at 50 mg/mL: S. mutans: 1.01%, P < 0.01; S. mitis: 7.66%, P < 0.05) of tested microbiota. The results of this study suggest that low doses of FPP may be a suitable complement to good oral hygiene practice for the effective prevention of dental caries, plaque, and gingivitis. The functional application of FPP as a constituent of a balanced diet and active lifestyle can make a positive contribution to the oral health status and well-being of patients with diabetes.
authors.affiliation: ANDI Center for Biomedical and Biomaterials Research, University of Mauritius Réduit, MSIRI Building, Mauritius, Republic of Mauritius.
authors.forename: Jhoti
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Somanah
authors.affiliation: Groupe d'Etude sur l'Inflammation Chronique et l'Obésité, Université de La Réunion Plateforme CYROI, Saint Denis, France.
authors.forename: Emmanuel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bourdon
authors.affiliation: ANDI Center for Biomedical and Biomaterials Research, University of Mauritius Réduit, MSIRI Building, Mauritius, Republic of Mauritius.
authors.forename: Theeshan
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bahorun
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, American University of Health Sciences Signal Hill, California 90755, USA.
authors.forename: Okezie I
authors.initials: OI
authors.lastname: Aruoma
keywords: Antimicrobial activity; dental caries; diabetics; fermented papaya preparation; gingivitis; oral health and hygiene; oral microbial infections