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Morin-based powder: a natural alternative for periodontal care
A powdered formulation based on morin—a flavonoid present in guava leaves, apple and fig peels, some teas, and almonds—has shown antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects against the bacteria that drive periodontal disease. Researchers at the Araraquara School of Dentistry (FOAr-UNESP) in Brazil created a fine, milk-like powder by encapsulating morin in polymers to achieve controlled release in the oral cavity. Credit: Stock
The team processed morin into a spray-dried powder using polymers such as sodium alginate and gellan gum to improve stability, taste and retention on oral surfaces. The format is intended as an adjunct oral care platform—suitable for people who have reduced manual dexterity, such as older adults or patients with special needs—who cannot perform effective mechanical cleaning.
In laboratory tests at FOAr-UNESP, doctoral researcher Luciana Solera Sales and supervisor Fernanda Lourenção Brighenti evaluated the morin powder against a multispecies biofilm designed to simulate the complex bacterial communities found in periodontal disease. The results, published in Archives of Oral Biology, indicate that controlled-release morin reduces biofilm viability and modulates markers associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. The project received funding from the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) and involved collaborators from UNESP’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (FCFAr), UNIARA, and the University of Birmingham.
Why controlled release matters
Oral delivery faces rapid clearance by saliva (around 1 mL/min on average) and high sensitivity to taste and smell, which affect how long active compounds remain in contact with mucosa and teeth. Encapsulating morin in a polymer matrix slows dissolution, enhances adhesion to the oral mucosa and helps control local concentrations to limit toxicity while maintaining activity. Brighenti explains that adapting controlled‑release systems already used in pharmacology to dentistry could reduce side effects reported for some current oral antimicrobials, such as taste alteration, increased calculus (tartar) formation, and tooth staining.
Laboratory findings and implications
In vitro, the morin-containing powder reduced biofilm staining and bacterial viability more effectively than free morin in solution. The formulation also demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity that could help limit tissue damage driven by chronic infection. The researchers emphasize that morin is inexpensive and widely available in plant sources, but that dietary intake alone is insufficient—processing is required to obtain effective, stable dosages suitable for topical oral use.
Next steps: preclinical tests, clinical prospects and public-health context
The research group plans animal model testing followed by clinical trials to confirm safety, dosing and whether morin formulations preserve the oral microbiome balance rather than indiscriminately eradicating commensal bacteria. Brighenti noted early visual observations that morin-treated biofilms appeared less stained than those treated with free morin, suggesting a possible advantage in preventing tooth discoloration.
Periodontal disease, including its advanced form periodontitis, is a major global burden: the World Health Organization estimated in 2022 that nearly half the world (about 3.5 billion people) suffers from oral diseases. Periodontitis ranks among the most common chronic conditions and can lead to tooth loss if untreated. Complementary topical agents that offer antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits without systemic antibiotics could support nonsurgical periodontal therapies and reduce reliance on antibiotics.
Conclusion
Encapsulated morin powder represents a promising, scalable platform for targeted oral care: it combines natural antimicrobial and antioxidant properties with controlled-release technology to improve retention, reduce side effects and support patients who struggle with routine oral hygiene. Pending animal and human studies, morin-based products could become an alternative or adjunct to current periodontal treatments and a useful option for populations with limited access to effective mechanical oral care.
Source: scitechdaily
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