Journal of Dental Research, Vol 80, 2000-2004, Copyright © 2001 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Identification of cariostatic substances in the cacao bean husk: their anti-glucosyltransferase and antibacterial activities
K. Osawa, K. Miyazaki, S. Shimura, J. Okuda, M. Matsumoto and T. Ooshima
Central Laboratory, Lotte Co. Ltd., Saitama, Saitama, Japan.
The cacao bean husk has been shown to possess two types of cariostatic
substances, one showing anti-glucosyltransferase (GTF) activity and the
other antibacterial activity, and to inhibit experimental dental caries in
rats infected with mutans streptococci. In the present study,
chromatographic purification revealed high-molecular-weight polyphenolic
compounds and unsaturated fatty acids as active components. The former,
which showed strong anti-GTF activity, were polymeric epicatechins with
C-4beta and C-8 intermolecular bonds estimated to be 4636 in molecular
weight in an acetylated form. The latter, which showed bactericidal
activity against Streptococcus mutans, were determined to be oleic and
linoleic acids, and demonstrated a high level of activity at a
concentration of 30 microgram/mL. The cariostatic activity of the cacao
bean husk is likely caused by these biologically active constituents.
