A condition that occurs when bacteria form biofilms or plaques on teeth – often leading to inflammation, gum disease can turn into periodontitis. Previously, studies report that blueberry is an abundant source of flavonoids, and can have an effect against foodborne pathogens. Daniel Grenier, from the Universite Laval (Canada), and colleagues utilized a lab model to investigate whether blueberry polyphenols could be effective against Fusobacterium nucleatum, one of the main species of bacteria associated with periodontitis. The team observed that extracts from the wild lowbush blueberry, Vaccinium angustifolium Ait. to successfully inhibited the growth of F. nucleatum, as well as its ability to form biofilms. It also blocked a molecular pathway involved in inflammation, a key part of gum disease. The study authors write that: “This dual antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action of lowbush blueberry polyphenols suggests that they may be promising candidates for novel therapeutic agents.”
A Case for the Blues
Extracts from the wild lowbush blueberry, Vaccinium angustifolium Ait. Inhibit the growth of bacteria that lead to gum disease, in a lab model.
Ben Lagha A, Dudonne S, Desjardins Y, Grenier D. “Wild Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) Polyphenols Target Fusobacterium nucleatum and the Host Inflammatory Response: Potential Innovative Molecules for Treating Periodontal Diseases.” J Agric Food Chem. 2015 Aug 12;63(31):6999-7008.
RELATED ARTICLES