pectins and Dental-Caries

Epidemiologic reports have linked how intakes of dietary fiber with numerous diseases and abnormal conditions. They range from diverticulitis to coronary thrombosis, from simple constipation to possible carcinoma of the colon. The supposed etiology underlying these and other conditions is discussed in terms of the properties of cellulose, lignin, and hemicelluloses, including pectin, which collectively make up dietary fiber. Other major organic components of plant foods, apart from fiber, protein, fat, sugars and starches, are considered briefly. The desirability of improved nomenclature is emphasized. Urgently needed is a thorough study of the biochemistry and metabolism, using experimental animals, of dietary fiber in foods. Only when this is done can there be a good understanding of the mechanisms involved and a realization of the possibilities suggested by the epidemiologic studies.

Topics: Cardiovascular Diseases; Cathartics; Cellulose; Colon; Colonic Diseases; Dental Caries; Diabetes Mellitus; Dietary Fiber; Digestion; Food Analysis; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Humans; Lignin; Male; Obesity; Pectins; Polysaccharides; Terminology as Topic

Streptococcus mutans, a gram-positive oral bacterium, has been identified as one of the principal etiological agents of human dental caries. To clarify the nature of the difference anti-biofilm effect against S. mutans between Assam tea from Camellia sinensis var. assamica, partially fermented, and green tea from Camellia sinensis, non-fermented, active agents from the teas were purified.. Effects of Assam tea and green tea samples on biofilm were assessed by using the conventional titer plate method and the human saliva-coated hydroxyapatite discs. The purification and identification of inhibitors were performed by using ultrafiltration with centrifugal filter devices and high performance liquid chromatography.. Assam tea has stronger biofilm inhibition activity against S. mutans than green tea. A substance of <10kDa in mass in Assam tea had a high concentration of galloylated catechins and a stronger biofilm inhibiting activity than green tea. In contrast, substances >10kDa in mass from green tea included higher concentrations of polysaccharides composed of galacturonic acid, such as pectin, that enhance biofilm formation.. The higher concentrations of galloylated catechins in Assam tea may assist in prevention of dental caries, whereas in green tea, this mode of inhibition was likely offset by the presence of pectin. Purification of catechins in partially fermented Assam tea with lower-molecular-weight polysaccharide than pectin may be useful for developing oral care products such as toothpaste and oral care gel pastes.

Topics: Biofilms; Camellia sinensis; Catechin; Dental Caries; Durapatite; Hexuronic Acids; Humans; Pectins; Plant Extracts; Saliva; Streptococcus mutans; Tea; Toothpastes

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Cariogenic Agents; Dental Calculus; Dental Caries; Gelatin; Oryza; Pectins; Polysaccharides; Rats; Starch; Zea mays