Caries inhibitory activity of cacao bean husk extract in in-vitro and animal experiments

Cacao bean husk extract (CBH) was examined for inhibitory effects on the ca ries-inducing properties of mutans streptococci in vitro and on caries deve lopment in specific pathogen-free Sprague-Dawley rats infected with mutans streptococci. CBH reduced the growth rate of almost all oral streptococci e xamined, which resulted in the reduction of acid production. Furthermore, i nsoluble glucan synthesis by the glucosyltransferases from Streptococcus mu tans MT8148R and Streptococcus sobrinus 6715 was significantly inhibited by CBH. Hence, the sucrose-dependent cell adherence of mutans streptococci wa s also depressed by CBH. The administration of CBH in drinking water result ed in significant reductions of caries development and dental plaque accumu lation in rats infected with either Strep. sobrinus 6715 or Strep. mutans M T8148R, and the minimum cariostatic concentration was 1.0 mg/ml. These resu lts indicate that CBH possesses powerful anticariogenic potential. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.