Anti-Streptococcus mutans and anti-inflammatory effects of ginsenoside Compound K and enzyme-treated red ginseng extract (BTEX-K)

Objectives

Dental caries, or tooth decay, is an oral health issue worldwide. Oral healthcare researchers are considering how to develop safe and effective preventive measures and treatments for dental caries. This study evaluated the potential applications of Compound K and BTEX-K, a Compound K–rich red ginseng extract, for the prevention and treatment of dental caries. Moreover, this study briefly confirmed its inhibitory effect on inflammation, an important factor in dental health.

Methods

The amount of organic acids produced by bacteria in biofilm was determined using in vitro and in vivo assays. The ability of these extracts to promote tooth remineralization and microhardness was evaluated using an in vivo mouse assay. We evaluated their anti-inflammatory potential by inhibiting proinflammatory cytokine expression and lipopolysaccharide-induced nitrous oxide production in cell lines.

Results

Compound K (10–20 μg/mL) and BTEX-K (50–100 μg/mL) effectively inhibited the growth of Streptococcus mutans bacteria, demonstrating significant antibacterial properties. They can potentially prevent biofilm formation by reducing lactic acid production in the teeth. These compounds showed a strong ability to promote tooth remineralization and improve the microhardness of acid-producing bacteria. They also possess potent anti-inflammatory properties that downregulate proinflammatory cytokine (interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase) expression, suppress nuclear factor-kappa B transcription factor activation (∼1.6 times), and reduce nitrous oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells.

Conclusions

Compounds K and BTEX-K may provide a novel approach to dental caries prevention as well as inflammation prevention and treatment.