Research shows that matcha green tea powder can inhibit the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacteria linked to periodontitis, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic tool for the disease. Clinical trials show that matcha mouthwash significantly reduces bacterial levels, enhancing its effectiveness in dental care.
Clinical trials confirm matcha’s effectiveness in reducing Porphyromonas gingivalis levels in patients with periodontitis, highlighting its potential in dental treatments.
- Periodontitis is associated with tooth loss and other health concerns.
- Previous studies show that green tea products can act against P. gingivalis, which causes periodontitis.
- In a new study, researchers tested matcha extract, made from green tea, against the pathogen.
- Laboratory studies show that matcha inhibits the growth of bacteria.
- A clinical trial showed that matcha mouthwash inhibited P. gingivalis populations in saliva.
Understanding periodontitis and its bacterial culprit
Periodontitis is an inflammatory gingivitis caused by bacterial infections. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as tooth loss. In addition, this disease has been linked to various health issues such as diabetes mellitus, premature birth, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. A primary bacteria responsible for periodontitis is Porphyromonas gingivalis. This bacterium colonizes biofilms on tooth surfaces and multiplies within deep gum pockets.
Matcha’s potential in preventing periodontal disease
Matcha, a finely ground green tea powder, can help you maintain P. gingivalis in a hard situation. This week at Microbiological Spectruman ASM open access journal, researchers in Japan reported that matcha inhibited growth P. gingivalis in laboratory experiments. Additionally, in a clinical study of 45 people with periodontitis, those who used matcha mouthwash had significantly lower levels of P. gingivalis in saliva samples relative to the start of the study.
“Matcha may have clinical application for the prevention and treatment of periodontitis,” the authors noted in the paper.
Broader effects of green tea
Camellia sinensis is a green tea plant that has long been studied for its potential antimicrobial effects against bacteria, fungi and viruses. A previous study in mice found that green tea extract can inhibit the growth of pathogens, including Escherichia coli. Other research has found that the extract can inhibit its growth P. gingivalis and reduce its adhesion to the epithelial cells of the mouth. Additionally, observational studies have associated green tea consumption with better health.
A Detailed Review of the Effects of Matcha
Used in traditional ceremonies and to flavor drinks and sweets, Matcha is made from raw leaves C. sinensis. For the new study, researchers from Nihon University School of Dentistry in Matsudo, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Tokyo and other institutions conducted a series of in vitro experiments to test the effectiveness of a matcha solution against 16 oral bacteria. kindincluding 3 strains of it P. gingivalis. The matcha mouthwash showed little activity against strains of common oral bacteria.
Within 2 hours, almost all cultivated P. gingivalis The cells were killed by the matcha extract and after 4 hours of exposure, all cells were dead. These findings suggest bactericidal activity against the pathogen.
Clinical Study Insights
The researchers then recruited 45 subjects diagnosed with chronic periodontitis at Nihon University Hospital School of Dentistry in Matsudo for a clinical follow-up study. The patients were randomly divided into 3 groups: One group received a barley tea mouthwash, the second received a matcha extract mouthwash, and the third received a mouthwash containing sodium azulenesulfonate hydrate, which is used to treat inflammation. Saliva samples were collected before and after the intervention and analyzed by PCR, and participants were instructed to gargle twice daily.
The analysis revealed that patients in the group that used matcha mouthwash experienced a significant decrease in its level P. gingivalis. Patients in the other 2 groups did not show the same significant reduction.
Conclusion and future directions
While the new study is not the first to investigate the antimicrobial effects of tea-derived compounds P. Gingivalisthe researchers note that it supports the potential benefits of matcha as part of a treatment plan for people with periodontal disease.
Reference: “Multimodal inhibitory effect of matcha on Porphyromonas gingivalis” by Ryoma Nakao, Ayami Takatsuka, Kengo Mandokoro, Naoki Narisawa, Tsuyoshi Ikeda, Hideki Takai and Yorimasa Ogata, 21 May 2024, Microbiological Spectrum.
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03426-23
