EFFECT OF JAPANESE GREEN TEA EXTRACT ON CANINE PERIODONTAL-DISEASES

Asaccharolytic pigmented Porphyromonas strains were isolated from the plaque of dogs with gingivitis and periodontitis. Various species of P orphyromonas, including P. endodontalis, P. gingivalis, P. circumdenta ria and unclassified species, were detectable. Canine Porphyromonas we re sensitive to Japanese green tea extract (JGTE). We examined the eff ects of dietary JGTE on periodontal diseases. A special diet was prepa red on the basis of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC: 0.8 mg/ ml) of JGTE to several canine Porphyromonas species. Growth of all Por phyromonas isolates was inhibited at this concentration. After 2 mths, the percentage of canine Porphyromonas significantly decreased in the plaque microbiota. Concurrently with the observed decrease in percent age of these bacteria, gingival inflammation was inhibited. However, n o change in the calculus index was recorded during the observation per iod. Levels of oral malodour varied among the dogs and diet with JGTE was effective in the inhibition of oral malodour, We concluded that JG TE was effective in the inhibition of canine periodontal diseases.