Jackfruit latex and pomegranate peel show promise for gum disease repair
6 reported
Researchers in Brazil have developed a new biomaterial made from jackfruit latex, pomegranate peel extract, and simvastatin that could offer a more effective treatment for periodontitis, a serious form of gum disease. The team from the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo in Sorocaba created the material to improve treatment options for a condition that destroys the tissues supporting teeth. Current treatments control infection and inflammation but do little to regenerate damaged periodontal tissue, while other approaches like guided tissue regeneration and bone grafting have variable results. The researchers combined jackfruit latex for its adhesive properties with pomegranate peel extract for antimicrobial effects and simvastatin, an anti-inflammatory drug studied for bone formation. In an in vitro study using human adipose-derived stem cells, all tested concentrations of simvastatin promoted osteoinduction within 14 days, with stronger effects after 21 days. The study was supported by FAPESP and published in the journal Polymer Bulletin. The lead researcher cautioned that additional research is needed before the technology can move closer to clinical use.
What’s reported
The biomaterial combines jackfruit latex, pomegranate peel extract, and simvastatin.
It was developed by researchers at the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo in Sorocaba, Brazil.
The study was supported by FAPESP (projects 23/17083-8 and 23/12039-0) and published in Polymer Bulletin.
In vitro tests used human adipose-derived stem cells with simvastatin concentrations of 0.3%, 0.6%, and 1.2%.
All concentrations promoted osteoinduction within 14 days, with stronger effects after 21 days.
The lead researcher stated that additional research is needed to evaluate efficacy and safety before clinical use.
Key figures
Professor Eliana Aparecida de Rezende Duek, from the Department of Surgery at the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo (study coordinator)
Sources: ScienceDaily
