A recent study indicates that morin, a compound derived from apples, figs, and guava, shows significant promise in combating gum disease. Researchers from São Paulo State University in Brazil have demonstrated that morin possesses antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties against the bacteria responsible for this oral condition. The findings were published in the journal Archives of Oral Biology earlier this month.
The research team, led by study author Luciana Solera Sales, developed a powdered form of morin for controlled release in the mouth, potentially offering a natural alternative to traditional antibiotics. Morin is extracted from the peels and leaves of certain fruits and vegetables. The researchers specifically targeted bacterial biofilms that simulate gum disease in their laboratory experiments.
Sales explained the motivation behind this research, stating, “The idea is to take advantage of this natural compound, its benefits and its advantages, and transform it all so that it can be used to prevent and treat tooth decay and periodontal disease.”
The choice of morin as the focus of this study stems from its natural availability, affordability, and wide accessibility. To enhance its usability in oral care, the team employed a method similar to that used in producing powdered milk, allowing for a slow and controlled release of the compound when applied in the mouth.
Typical treatments for gum disease involve professional cleanings and plaque removal, but topical antibiotics are sometimes necessary when bacteria and calcified deposits are particularly resistant. Rising concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance have led scientists to seek safer, more natural alternatives. The authors of the study suggest that morin-based formulations could serve as a “non-antibiotic adjunctive antimicrobial therapy” to improve treatment outcomes.
While morin can naturally be found in foods such as apple peels, guava leaves, figs, almonds, onion bulbs, and certain teas, the researchers emphasized that mere consumption is insufficient. “The substance needs to be processed,” Sales added.
To enhance the compound’s effectiveness, the research team, under the guidance of Fernanda Lourenço Brighenti, combined morin with sodium alginate and gellan gum. These polymers protect the compound from rapid degradation and allow it to adhere to teeth and gums for extended periods. The controlled-release mechanism is crucial, given the mouth’s constant saliva flow.
The fine morin powder developed by the researchers could be integrated into various oral hygiene products, including toothpaste and mouthwash. Brighenti noted the potential benefits for individuals with reduced motor skills, such as older adults or those with special needs, who struggle with conventional tooth brushing methods. “The idea is to provide a platform that acts as an adjunct and can be useful,” she said.
Looking ahead, the research team aims to create a version of the morin formulation that is safe, palatable, and suitable for large-scale production. They intend to address common issues associated with current treatments, such as tooth staining and tartar buildup. The next steps involve testing the morin formulation in animal and clinical studies to confirm its safety and effectiveness.
Should the research prove successful, morin could pave the way for the development of the first plant-based, antibiotic-free dental treatments aimed at preventing and managing gum disease. This condition significantly contributes to the global burden of oral diseases, affecting nearly half of the world’s population, according to the World Health Organization.
Periodontist Richard Nejat, based in New York City, expressed optimism regarding the study’s implications. He remarked that the findings reflect “an exciting shift toward more natural, antibiotic-free approaches in dentistry.” Nonetheless, he emphasized the need for clinical trials in humans to fully understand how morin behaves in real patients and its long-term effects on the oral microbiome.
Another dental professional, Ilona Fotek, a holistic and biologic dentist in Florida, cautioned that even natural treatments warrant thorough investigation. “A ‘natural’ label doesn’t automatically mean safe, especially without human data,” she stated. Fotek is concerned that such research might inspire do-it-yourself trends on social media, which could pose risks if individuals attempt to self-treat.
Despite these concerns, the study represents a meaningful step forward in the quest for therapies that promote healing without disrupting the oral ecosystem. The researchers are committed to advancing their investigations and hope to contribute to safer, effective options for dental health in the near future.
