A mouthwash formulated with o-cymen-5-ol and zinc chloride specifically targets potential pathogens without impairing the native oral microbiome in healthy individuals

Abstract

Background Many antimicrobial compounds in mouthwashes can have a negative impact on the oral microbiome. O-cymen-5-ol, a compound derived from a phytochemical, has a targeted mode of action and is being used as an alternative. However, its effect on the native oral microbiome is unknown. Aim To assess the effect of a mouthwash formulated with o-cymen-5-ol and zinc chloride on the oral microbiome of healthy individuals. Methods A mouthwash formulated with o-cymen-5-ol and zinc chloride was administered to a cohort of 51 volunteers for 14 days, while another cohort of 49 volunteers received a placebo. The evolution of the oral microbiome in both groups was analysed using a metataxonomic approach. Results Analysis of the oral microbiome showed that the mouthwash selectively targeted potential oral pathogens while maintaining the integrity of the rest of the microbiome. Specifically, the relative abundance of several potentially pathogenic bacterial taxa, namely Fusobacteriota , Prevotella , Actinomyces , Granulicatella , Abiotrophia , Lautropia , Lachnoanaerobaculum , Eubacterium (nodatum group) and Absconditabacteriales (SR1) decreased, while the growth of Rothia , a nitrate-reducing bacterium beneficial for blood pressure, was stimulated. Conclusions The use of o-cymen-5-ol and zinc chloride as antimicrobial agents in oral mouthwashes is a valuable alternative to classical antimicrobial agents.

Mucoadhesive Pharmacology: Latest Clinical Technology in Antiseptic Gels

“…O-cymen-5-ol has a direct inhibitory effect against S. mutans, Actynomices viscosus, P. gingivalis, and F. nucleatum [7], which is corroborated by our results as the multispecies biofilm in this study was composed of S. mutans, P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, and F. nucleatum. This compound, together with zinc salts, can also inhibit or slow down the growth of other oral pathobionts, such as Prevotella, Actinomyces, and Eubacterium, among others.…”

“…This compound, together with zinc salts, can also inhibit or slow down the growth of other oral pathobionts, such as Prevotella, Actinomyces, and Eubacterium, among others. Similarly, and somewhat innovatively, o-cymen-5-ol does not cause dysbiosis [7]. Furthermore, when the CHX 0.20% + cymenol 0.1% gel was tested on a S. mutans biofilm, a total reduction of bacteria was obtained compared to the reduction achieved by the CHX 0.20% gel (Table 2) at 5 min of treatment.…”

“…In this study, a new compound of chlorhexidine + cymenol was used as o-cymen-5ol had been used to date in combination with zinc chloride (ZnCl 2 ) [7,19] or with CPC (cetylpyridinium chloride) due to its potent action against gingival bleeding and plaque accumulation, among others [7]. For its part, CPC has also been tested in different formulations together with different concentrations of CHX.…”

“…Chlorhexidine (CHX) is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent capable of inhibiting the growth of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, yeasts, and other microorganisms [1][2][3][4] for a prolonged period of time in the oral cavity due to its powerful adsorption in the teeth [5] and mucosa [3]. It is one of the most effective local antiseptic agents used in the treatment of various oral pathologies [6] because it can change the structure of the oral microbiome [1,7].…”

“…Cymenol (o-cymen-5-ol; C 10 H 14 O) (CYM) is a substituted phenolic compound derived from isopropylene glycol [7] that has demonstrated antimicrobial activity against bacteria, yeasts, and fungi and is safe at concentrations up to 0.1% in cosmetics [4]. To date, it has been used in oral care products as an alternative to chlorhexidine, among other antiseptic compounds [7].…”