A study attributes blueberries to antibacterial properties

Study attributes blueberries to antibacterial properties

20/02/2018

A study from Laval University in Quebec, Canada, has shown that the proanthocyanidins (PACs) in Highbush blueberries have a beneficial effect in fighting the type of bacteria associated with an aggressive form of periodontal disease. The study has been published in the BMC of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. PACs are a type of plant compound found in blueberries.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, periodontal diseases appear mainly as a result of infections and inflammations of the gums and bones that surround and support the teeth. They are caused by the bacteria in the mouth that infect the tissues that surround the teeth. This causes inflammation around the teeth and, consequently, periodontal disease. Approximately 47,2% of adults of 30 years or more suffer some form of periodontal disease and 70,1% of adults of 65 years or more suffer from this disease.

The study investigators isolated the PACs from the frozen Highbush blueberries. To determine the effect of these PACs on the growth rate of the bacteria, a test known as the microplate dilution test was carried out.

The results showed that PACs at concentrations of 500 to 3,9 ug / ml reduced the formation of bacteria significantly and in a dose-dependent manner. The researchers also pointed out that the antibacterial activity of the PACs seemed to inflict damage on the cell membranes of the bacteria.

PACs also protect oral keratinocytes from damage by bacteria, known as Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Oral keratinocytes are the main barrier against physical, microbial and chemical agents capable of causing localized cell damage and participating in the pro-inflammatory process. Therefore, oral keratinocytes may be involved in the control of oral infections through an inflammatory process.

In addition, blueberry PACs were shown to protect oral macrophages, essential leukocytes in the immune system. PACs also blocked the molecular pathway involved in inflammation, a factor with a high incidence in part of gum diseases.

Although more tests are needed, the results of this study are added to the body of research on the potential antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of blueberries.

Source: FreshPlaza