Cranberry Proanthocyanidins: Natural Weapons against Periodontal Diseases

Abstract

Cranberry ( Vaccinium macrocarpon ) is known to have a beneficial effect on several aspects of human health. Proanthocyanidins (PACs), the most abundant flavonoids extracted from red cranberry fruits, have been reported to possess antimicrobial, antiadhesion, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent in vitro studies have shown that cranberry PACs may be potential therapeutic agents for the prevention and management of periodontitis, an inflammatory disease of bacterial origin affecting tooth-supporting tissues. After presenting an overview of cranberry phytochemicals and their potential for human health benefits, this review will focus on the effects of cranberry PACs on connective tissue breakdown and alveolar bone destruction, as well as their potential for controlling periodontal diseases. Possible mechanisms of action of cranberry PACs include the inhibition of (i) bacterial and host-derived proteolytic enzymes, (ii) host inflammatory response, and (iii) osteoclast differentiation and activity. Given that cranberry PACs have shown interesting properties in in vitro studies, clinical trials are warranted to better evaluate the potential of these molecules for controlling periodontal diseases.

Structural Elucidation and Antioxidant Activities of Proanthocyanidins from Chinese Bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.) Leaves

“…The chromatographic separation of PAs is complicated because of the enormous variety of similar isomeric oligomers in plant or food sources [6]. PAs are used for treating periodontal diseases [7]. They have also been reported to demonstrate antioxidant [8], antimicrobial [9], [10], anti-diabetic [11], anti-angiogenic [12], anticarcinogenic [13], anti-inflammatory [14] and antimelanogenic [14] activities.…”

Anti-proteolytic capacity and bonding durability of proanthocyanidin-biomodified demineralized dentin matrix

“…2,31 Second, PA may indirectly interfere with protease production and activation by modulating host immune responses. 32 Third, the induction of exogenous crosslinks in dentin matrix by crosslinkers, such as PA, increases the density of the collagen network and reduces the swelling ratio of demineralized dentin, indicating a decrease in the collagenase absorption, 33 thereby enhancing the matrix resistance against enzymatic degradation. The advantage of inactivating proteolytic enzymes in the dentin matrix by crosslinking is that the mechanism is nonspecific—that is, it crosslinks all types of MMPs and cysteine cathepsins.…”

Dual function of proanthocyanidins as both MMP inhibitor and crosslinker in dentin biomodification: A literature review

“…The other supposed paradigm is that PA may indirectly interfere with production and activation process of proteases by modulating host immune responses 74) . There are some reports about PA MMP inhibitory effects somewhere in human body aside from dentin, as the case of point, cranberry PA can inhibit production and secretion of MMP-1 and MMP-9 by macrophages in response to periodontal pathogens 75) . Also there is a report on inhibitory effect of the Amazonian medicinal plant Sangre de grado (Croton palanostigma) as a rich source of PA, on gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 from synovial fluid in osteoarthritis patiets 76) .…”