2017 Volume 55 Issue 4 Pages 427-434
Winemaking annually yields several thousand tons of byproducts called pomace, which contains several beneficial ingredients, such as polyphenols and oleanolic acid (OA), though it is primarily used as compost. We found that OA inhibits the growth of Streptococcus mutans, which has been identified as a cavity-causing bacterium, as well as synthesis of insoluble glucan in vitro. In addition,our results demonstrated an anticaries effect of OA-containing pomace extracts in humans, as the group that received pomace extract showed a significant decrease in S. mutans growth in saliva (P ＜0.05). Our results suggest that OA-containing pomace extract is effective for prevention of dental caries in humans. We consider that pomace extract may be used to exert its anticaries effect by being added to various foods, such as candies, jellies, tablets, and chewing gum, as well as oral care items including toothpastes and mouthwashes.
