Periodontitis and Periodontal Disease - Innovative Strategies for Reversing the Chronic Infectious and Inflammatory Condition by Natural Products

Oral microbiota of the mouth is the most diverse microbial community in the human body and plays a decisive role in the emergence and evolution of gingival pathology, contributing as well to the host general health condition, based on complex interactions established between the microbial community members and the host. A specific shift in the quantity and diversity of the microbial community developed on dental and mucosal surfaces, could lead to the occurrence of chronic inflammation mediated by the overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The mechanical treatment and current medication efficiency for the periodontal disease is limited in time due to the rapid plaque forming. Also, the antimicrobial treatment is limited by the sessile growth of the microorganisms, resulting in a poor biofilm penetration by biocides or antibiotics. In line with that, the attention of the scientific community shifted to ethnopharmacology as a complementary, or alternative therapeutic option for fighting infections with resistant bacteria. The vegetal and bee products are an important source of bioactive compounds, acting as harmless antimicrobials and periodontal inflammation suppressors. Vegetable bioproducts have been proven to exhibit multiple antipathogenic effects, such as microbicidal activity, virulence attenuation, and synergistic effects between the components found in the complex vegetal matrixes, or with conventional biocides, as well as immunomodulatory effects. The purpose of this review is to highlight the importance of vegetable products as a possible complementary treatment for periodontitis and their potential for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.